California Family Law News & Commentary

Legal News & Commentary
Stay current on California family law issues with this new monthly series of informative articles on important issues. Most of these articles were written by Robert Kroll. A former daily newspaper reporter and legal journalist, Robert Kroll has been a practicing family lawyer in California for 22 years and retired from the practice of law in March, 2008.

How to Protect Separate Property Equity

The issue of erosion of the owner spouse's equity in refinances during marriage has been a topic of much debate. After wrestling with this problem for over a year, the author, a family law appellate specialist, believes he has found a solution. December 23, 2004.

How to Play the Move Away Game:

When a custodial parent wishes to move away, the courts will investigate the reasons and motives of that parent and decide whether to allow the child to move far from the non-custodial parent. February 12, 2004.

Rules Have NOT Changed in Move Aways

A recent (April 24, 2004) decision in Marriage of La Musga did not rule out custody move aways. It merely re-affirms the long standing rule that the court should consider whether the move will harm the children by alienating them from the non-custodial parent. August 8, 2004.

Parenting Plan Development Strategies: Canadian Style:

A Canadian social worker discusses the various ways of handling the development of a parenting plan when parents are at odds with one another. June 14, 2005.

Probate This! The Pitfalls of Jealousy and Paranoia
After the death of a loved one, and before you discuss any financial, legal or business issues with the relatives you expect to share an estate with, consider these helpful hints to avoid unnecessarily alienating a family member, losing sleep, or worse, losing the estate to the ravages of squabbling relatives. November 18, 2003.

California Domestic Violence Primer
Is it worthwhile going to the trouble and expense of getting a California Domestic Violence restraining order? What are the pitfalls? What are the alternatives? Would it be beneficial to get a mutual restraining order? November 6, 2003.

California Child Support Calculator
An explanation and examples of this important family law issue. Learn some of the complex legal implications of the child support process in California. July 24, 2003.