RECENT POSTS
“Divorce Corp.”: What’s Missing From This Picture?
Family Law and Mediation Attorney Los Angeles by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Let’s face the facts: For most people, divorce is ugly. But let’s not make it uglier than it has to be. Case in
Why Get a Prenup? Marriage Is a Financial Partnership Too
Most people wouldn’t go into business without insurance. So why do so many couples get married without a prenup? Marriage, like it or not, is a financial partnership – whether or not the couple decides
Presumptive Parents – It May Take Two or More in California
Child Custody and Support Attorney Los Angeles by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Remember Hillary Clinton’s 1996 book, “It Takes a Village”? It seems California Family Law Courts will now play by that theme, when circumstances
Over the Rainbow: Treasury Allows Gay, Married Couples to File Taxes Jointly
As of September 16, 2013, same-sex, legally married couples must file federal tax returns as married couples – whether they are filing jointly or separately. Both the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of the
Modifications to Orders – Not All Family Law Decisions Are Set in Stone
Child Custody and Support Attorney Los Angeles by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 When a divorce becomes final, a court issues rulings regarding spousal or child support, and child custody and visitation. These rulings are based
Bad Pennies: Financial Arguments Top Predictor of Divorce
Spousal Support Attorney by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Money. According to a recent study at Kansas State University (KSU), arguments about finance are top ranking predictors of divorce. The actual causes of divorce are a
How Does the DOMA Ruling Affect Estate Planning?
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The United States Supreme Court’s ruling on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on June 26, declaring the definition of marriage as
Post-DOMA for Employers
With the dust just settling on Wednesday’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, and Proposition 8 federal court opinions, now is the time for employers to consider the potential impact on their
Prop 8 and DOMA: Where Do We Stand Now?
Divorce Attorney by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 In two 5-4 decisions this morning, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a Proposition 8 appeal that denied same-sex couples the right to marry in California, as well as
Divorce Finance: What is a Retainer Fee?
Visitation & Custody Lawyer by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 What is a retainer fee and how does it work? Essentially, a retainer fee is, and works like, a down payment for legal services and expenses.