Orange County California Family Law & Divorce Articles

What does a Prenuptial Agreement mean?

As reported in Forbes Magazine about 75 percent of lawyers have noted an increase in prenuptial agreements over the past several years. Forbes magazine warned that if couples do not seek a prenuptial agreement when they get a divorce they must abide by state law. In California under the state law all income that is…
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Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody matters may require a third party to assist if the parents cannot reach an agreement on their own. Mediation services are available to assist with child custody matters. Custody evaluations help determine child custody between parents. If an agreement cannot be reached a judge will have the final say in regards to custody.…
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Does a Child Get to Decide Which Parent to Live With?

These factors are considered when answering the question does a child get to decide which parent to live with: 1) Preference of the child is a factor. 2) The best interest of the child. 3) Age & Maturity of the child. 4) The specific unique details of each case. If your child custody agreement is…
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Who Benefits From the Mediation Process?

The mediator may not have a wager in the topic to be discussed and resolved through mediation. The voluntary nature of mediation helps to minimize the misconception of being against the other party. The mediator will assist communication from one party to another. This will help assure that the conversation remains on the relevant issues…
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Do Stepparents have rights to request custody and visitation orders?

Generally no, because the stepchild is not a child of the relationship. The family court can however, hear matters and make custody and visitation orders in a dissolution of a domestic partnership. In an action for dissolution of marriage, legal separation or nullity, the family court can grant reasonable visitation to a stepparent if stepparent…
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How is Child Custody Determined in California?

You have filed a Dissolution of Marriage action or you have been served with a Dissolution of Marriage action and now your mind begins racing. How is Child Custody Determined in California? How will the children react to these changes?   Who is going to get the children? Child Custody is determined in various ways: [caption…
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WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE – DISSOLUTION?

If you are wondering, what is collaborative divorce? Our family law firm is now providing Collaborative Dissolution / Divorce services to prospective clients. In a Collaborative Dissolution/Divorce case the parties and their respective attorneys will each sign an agreement where each pledges to resolve the issues in the dissolution/ divorce without court intervention. This collaborative agreement…
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Citizenship through Military Service

Naturalization through your military service under Section 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) You may be eligible for naturalization through your military service under Section 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  The Immigration and Nationality Act under section 329A also provides for naturalization posthumously. Persons who have…
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Court Appointed Special Advocates, Orange County, CASA

Attorney Bettina L. Yanez, has been practicing since 2000 serving clients in all areas of Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Visitation, Child Support, Paternity, and Domestic Violence throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County and Riverside County. Attorney Bettina L. Yanez, also believes in Philanthropy and community service.  Attorney Yanez participates annually in the Orange County…
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Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Visitation, Minor’s Counsel

A dissolution/divorce action can be very emotional.  The unknown can be quite scary. At times one parent is angry or hurt. One parent can be so angry and perhaps so hurt that they forget to act in their children’s best interest.  If a dissolution/divorce action becomes so acrimonious or the parties make allegation of domestic…
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