California Family Law

Adoption Law Varies from State to State

Dishon & Block: Family Law, Adoption
According to census information, about 120,000 children are adopted in the United States each year. It is estimated that between six and ten million citizens are adopted; half are typically “stranger adoptions,” in which the child is adopted by people who are not related. The other half is adopted by family members, primarily stepparents. Just as individual cases vary greatly, so too do laws from state to state. What do you need to know about adoption law?

Is Joint Custody Better for Children?

Dishon & Block: California Divorce and Family Law
Is a child better off when both parents have custody? Determining child custody is one of the most difficult aspects of many divorces; while it may not be in the best interest of the child to live with both parents in a single household, the bulk of research shows that joint custody is better for the child’s health and well being. It is not the specific living situation, per se, that contributes to well being, but the amount of time the child spends with each parent.

Find an Attorney Who Knows Divorce Law

Dishon & Block: California Family Law
If you are going through a California divorce, you have undoubtedly heard endless horror stories of unfair settlements, ferocious court battles, and angry, bitter couples ruining the day they met. Most divorces are able to be settled, if not amicably, then civilly, whether with the help of mediators or the court. Several issues complicate divorces, including community property, child custody and support, debt, and housing. Because of the complexity of family law and tensions that typically surround divorce, hiring an attorney who specializes in divorce law is often a necessity. How do you find the right lawyer?

Divorce Mediation: A Lower Cost Alternative that May Work for You

Dishon & Block Los Angeles Family Law

Divorce can take an incredible emotional toll on a couple, but the financial costs can be just as burdensome. As of 2005, the average divorce litigated in court cost $15,000 and took 18 months to resolve. Divorce is one of the most stressful events one can experience in life, and when you are paying legal bills for months or years after, it becomes an event that seems unending. Divorce mediation may be a solution that will work for you. In these cases, a divorce is usually resolved within 3 months and costs about $3000. This, of course, depends on the individual couple, but a mediator may help you save money and emotional tax as well.

Family Law in California

Dishon & Block: Los Angeles Family Law Attorney

What is family law? How many hours do you have? Family law is incredibly complex and encompasses issues ranging from custodial rights to grandparents’ rights to division of property to adoption to conservatorships. This branch of the law, like most others, is changing constantly; California, for instance, recently passed laws on smoking in houses with children, international custody, and drug testing. This makes it even more important that you choose a lawyer who can represent your best interests, and that of your family. Here are some tips for choosing the right attorney.

Do Divorce and Alimony Settlements Require a Family Lawyer?

Alimony Calculator: Do-it-yourself divorce and alimony is rarely, if ever, a good idea. Take this creative approach tried by a man in Mississippi: he put an ad in Craigslist offering “10K to the man or woman who marries” his ex-wife so he would be free from alimony payments. He did add the caveat: “This offer is null and void if it is determined to be illegal in any way – I am not a lawyer.” An amusing ad, but you can be sure your soon-to-be ex-spouse and family court judge will not find it as funny. California does not require that you be represented by a lawyer during a divorce proceeding, but having a family attorney may be in your best interests.

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