The UCCJEA stands for the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. It is a uniform state law that has been adopted by almost all U.S. states, including California, to provide a consistent legal framework for resolving interstate child custody…

In California courts, as in many other jurisdictions, the preponderance of the evidence standard is used in most civil cases to determine the outcome of disputes. This standard of proof requires that a party must prove their case by presenting…

In California divorce cases, the date of separation is a crucial factor as it marks the end of the marital community, affecting property division, spousal support, and other financial matters. The date of separation means the date that a complete and…

Once a spouse files for divorce, there’s no waiting period required before the divorce process can proceed. However, California law does have a six-month waiting period from the date of service of the divorce petition before a divorce can be…

In California, a putative spouse is someone who enters into a marriage with a sincere belief that the marriage is valid and legally recognized, but in reality, the marriage is invalid due to some legal impediment. Putative spouses are individuals…

In California, an annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never legally existed. Unlike a divorce, which terminates a valid marriage, an annulment essentially erases the marriage from a legal standpoint. Annulments…

Quasi-community property refers to property acquired by a married couple while living in a state other than California that would have been considered community property if acquired in California. When a couple divorces in California, the court treats quasi-community property…

Personal jurisdiction refers to a court’s authority or power over the parties involved in a legal dispute, particularly their ability to assert jurisdiction over individuals or entities named as defendants in a lawsuit. It is distinct from subject matter jurisdiction,…

Subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court’s authority or power to hear and decide cases of a particular type or category based on the subject matter or nature of the dispute. It is one of the foundational principles of the…

In civil cases in California, “service of process” refers to the legal procedure of providing formal notice to a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them. Proper service of process is a fundamental requirement in civil litigation to…