Separate Property in California Divorce

In California, separate property refers to assets and property that one spouse owns individually, rather than jointly with the other spouse. Separate property generally includes property acquired before the marriage, property received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage,…

Dividing Community Property in California

In California, community property is generally divided equally between spouses in a divorce. California follows the principle of “community property,” which means that any property or assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned by both spouses, regardless of…

Joint Custody in California Divorce

In California divorce cases, joint custody refers to an arrangement where both parents share the responsibility and decision-making authority regarding their child’s upbringing. This can include both legal and physical custody. Legal custody involves the right to make important decisions…

Grounds for Divorce in California

In California, the grounds for divorce are relatively straightforward, as the state operates under a “no-fault” divorce system. This means that neither party needs to prove that the other spouse did something wrong or caused the breakdown of the marriage.…

Summary of California Family Code

The California Family Code governs various aspects of family law in the state, covering issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic partnerships. It provides the legal framework for resolving family-related disputes, ensuring the protection…

Punitive Damages in California Civil Cases

In California civil cases, punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages when the defendant’s conduct is deemed particularly egregious, malicious, fraudulent, or reckless. The purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the plaintiff but to punish the…

Damages in California Civil Cases

In California civil cases, damages are a monetary award given to a plaintiff as compensation for harm or loss suffered due to the defendant’s actions. The primary goal of damages is to make the plaintiff “whole” by compensating for actual…

False Imprisonment in California Civil Litigation

In California civil litigation, false imprisonment occurs when one person intentionally restrains or confines another person without their consent and without legal justification. To prove a claim for false imprisonment, the plaintiff must show that they were intentionally confined to…