Can I Serve Court Documents by Newspaper in California?

In California, there are many different methods by which a person can be served with court documents. The allowable method will vary depending on the type of case as well as some other factors such as the location of the parties, if they have previously filed documents on the case or even if you can locate them. While Serve by Publication is an available option for serving someone, it is not the first available option. The California Courts require certain tasks are completed before a serve by publication is allowed.

First off, what is “service”? With regards to the California Courts, […]

By |Divorce, Local Resources, Process Serves|
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Important Steps to Consider When Getting a Divorce

Seek Protection

If you have reason to believe that your husband or wife might become violent against you or your children, can have the ability to abduct the children, or can even take funds from any accounts or conceal properties, there are steps you can take in an effort to protect yourself.

A few of these protective steps may include obtaining a court order in an effort to prevent domestic abuse, alerting your child’s school that the child can only be released to you, or even securing a passport restriction to avoid your child from being taken outside of the country. You […]

By |Child & Spousal Support, Court Forms, Divorce|
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The Difference Between a Legal Separation and a Divorce in California

Making the decision between filing for a legal separation or for filing for a divorce can be challenging. Here is a quick reference to some of the major differences and similarities.

Understanding the Distinctions Between Filing For a Legal Separation and Filing For a Divorce

When filing for either a legal separation or a divorce, it is important to know that both have very similar processes, timelines and costs, but the end result in a divorce is the termination of a marriage. There is a date of separation between the parties in both procedures, which affects how property and finances will be […]

By |Divorce, Legal Separation|
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Joint Physical Custody or Sole Physical Custody – What is the Norm?

First of all, what is the difference between joint physical custody and sole physical custody. Charles E. Sherman, author of “How to Do Your Own Divorce in California” explains it simply like this:

“Joint custody” means both joint physical and joint legal custody.
“Joint physical custody” that each parent shall have significant periods of physical custody to be arranged to assure the child of frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
“Joint legal custody” means that both parents shall share the right to responsibility of making decisions relating to the child’s health, education, and welfare. (Non-custodial parent does not have […]

By |Custody & Visitation, Divorce|
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Cost of Same Sex Divorce in Santa Barbara

The flat filing fee for filing a same sex divorce in Santa Barbara County Family Law Court is currently $435.00. The court fees are increased from time to time, so you can always see the most up to date divorce filing fee on the Santa Barbara County Courts fee schedule here. If you are considered low income or receiving some governmental assistance, a fee waiver can be applied to your filing, which would make the cost to file the same sex divorce in Santa Barbara free. More about the fee waiver below.

The filing fee for a same sex divorce in […]

By |Divorce|
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