RECENT POSTS
I Expect an Inheritance: Do I Really Need a Prenuptial Agreement?
YES! If you don’t have a prenuptial agreement the California Family Code applies. You might as well familiarize yourself with California law and decide whether you want to opt out via a prenuptial agreement. Your
California Family Law: Should You File for Legal Separation?
What’s the difference between a general date of separation and a date of legal separation? A big misconception is that filing for legal separation establishes a date of separation. The date of separation and a
Pre-Divorce Checklist: The Rational Preparation Before an Emotional Journey
Divorce is rarely easy for anyone. But if you’re serious about terminating your marriage or partnership, there are some steps you can take to legally, financially and emotionally prepare. Taking these steps first can make
Divorce Planning: How Tax Reform Could Affect Your Decisions
Certified Family Law Specialist by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Under the current tax law, individuals making spousal support payments may deduct the payments on their tax returns. Conversely, the individual receiving alimony must count those
Terminated: A Marriage’s End Should Not Lead to Employment’s End
Co-author, Vanessa Soto Nellis Last month, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in Robert Smith v. Millville Rescue Squad (MRS) that an employer cannot terminate an employee for separating or divorcing – the processes of
Marriage of Davis: A Shared Roof = Shared (Community) Property
Certified Family Law Specialist by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 During the recession, we occasionally heard of couples who were divorcing, but still cohabitating. For economic reasons, neither spouse moved out of the house – they
Supreme Court: 14th Amendment Requires Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage
California Bar Certified Specialist, Family Law by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 In 1883 the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that couples engaging in interracial sex (Pace v. Alabama) are not in violation
Tax Filing During a Divorce: Separate or Joint Returns?
Divorce Attorney by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Couples going through a divorce should remember this regarding taxes: You can still file a joint return, so long as you were still married as of December 31st.
Hitting the Wall: Facebook and Divorce
Child Custody and Support Attorney by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 A new survey sponsored by a group in the UK links Facebook to 33 percent of all divorces, up from a 2009 study that cites
Divorce Mediation – How is it Better?
Divorce Mediation Attorney by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Recently, actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay front man Chris Martin announced the demise of their marriage. But rather than calling the split a separation or divorce, they’ve