You used $200,000 of your separate-property savings as the down payment on the family home. The home was titled in both names. Years later, you are divorcing. Does that $200,000 come back to you off the top, or is it part of the community equity to be divided? California Family Code §2640 is the answer—and […]
Reimbursement Claims Under Family Code §2640: Protecting Your Down Payment Read More »
Until 2019, California family courts treated pets the way they treated coffee tables: as community property to be divided based on who paid for them and who held title. Anyone who has ever shared their life with a dog or cat knew that approach was inadequate, and the legislature eventually agreed. Family Code §2605, effective
Pet Custody in California Divorce: Family Code §2605 Explained Read More »
On January 1, 2026, two significant amendments to California family law took effect: changes to Family Code §3044 (the rebuttable presumption against custody for domestic violence perpetrators) and Family Code §6389 (firearm relinquishment under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act). The amendments reflect a clear legislative direction: protect children and protected parties from the combination of
New Firearm Rules in California Custody Cases (Family Code §3044 Updates) Read More »
