Family law blog

California's new Joint Petition for Dissolution, effective January 1, 2026, gives couples another way to pursue an amicable divorce outside the traditional court process. This article compares Collaborative Divorce and Mediation, highlighting how both approaches can help spouses resolve financial, property, and custody issues with less conflict, greater privacy, and more control over the outcome.

Learn what to expect during a California divorce, including how to choose the right divorce attorney, organize financial documents, understand legal timelines, and prepare for costs. This guide explains key steps in the divorce process and how experienced family law counsel can help protect your financial and parenting interests.

California is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during marriage are divided equally between spouses in a divorce, while separate property may remain with the original owner. An experienced California divorce attorney can help identify, value, trace, and divide marital property while protecting your financial interests through settlement, mediation, or litigation.

Cage & Miles helps clients navigate California spousal support matters with strategic legal guidance, thorough financial analysis, and strong advocacy in negotiations or court. Because support decisions can impact your financial future for years, our attorneys work to secure fair, sustainable arrangements tailored to your unique circumstances.

A California parenting plan outlines custody, parenting time, decision-making, and communication between parents. Understanding what to include and working with an experienced family law attorney can make all the difference.

Spousal support and child support serve different purposes in California divorce and custody cases. Child support focuses on meeting a child’s needs through a mandatory guideline formula, while spousal support helps a former spouse transition financially and is determined by multiple discretionary factors.

Preparing financially for a divorce in California is a critical step toward protecting your assets, income, and long-term stability. Understanding community property laws, organizing financial information, and anticipating support obligations can help you avoid costly mistakes during the divorce process.

Business owners in California face unique risks during divorce due to community property laws. Taking proactive legal steps, such as proper valuation, financial separation, and strategic negotiation, can help protect business ownership, control, and long-term viability.

Dividing retirement accounts in a California divorce is not as simple as splitting a balance in half. Different plans follow different rules. This guide explains how California courts divide retirement accounts, what documents are required, and the critical steps you can take to protect your long-term financial future.

California divorces require a minimum six-month waiting period, but many cases take longer depending on conflict, finances, and custody issues. This guide explains what affects divorce timelines, common delays, and how early planning can help you move forward efficiently.

Divorce forces spouses to reinvent their financial positions while navigating intense emotional strain. The challenge is making business-savvy decisions without litigating issues beyond their value. For many families, real estate is a disproportionately significant marital asset. Given its importance, how should you approach buying and selling real property during divorce?

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) in California can provide protection for days, years, or even permanently, depending on the circumstances. This guide explains the different types of DVROs, how long each lasts, when orders can be renewed, and the factors judges consider.