Infidelity, financial issues, growing apart. All these things have been cited as reasons for divorce. It appears a new reason might be emerging – video games. The video game Fortnite is now being cited as the reason for 200 people’s divorces in the UK.

Video Game Cited as Reason for Divorce

According to a newly released report from UK site Divorce Online, 200 divorce petitions filed in the UK since the start of 2018 cited Fortnite as a reason for the separation.

“These numbers equate to roughly 5% of the 4,665 petitions we have handled since the beginning of the year and as one of the largest filers of divorce petitions in the UK, is a pretty good indicator,” said a Divorce Online spokesperson.

Though it’s unclear how Fortnite contributed to the divorce filings specifically, it’s not uncommon for people to cite other time-consuming things such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and even social media. Fortnite is a survival sandbox game that is free to download. More than 40 million people log in to play every month, which might be enough of a statistic to prove just how addictive, and potentially damaging to your relationship, the game can be.

What Divorce Means for You

According to statistics, nearly 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce, or a dissolution of marriage, and whether your divorce is uncontested or contested – meaning you and your spouse disagree on one or more issues – it’s important to fight for what is rightfully yours once the marriage ends. A failed marriage can be emotionally and financially draining and taking the right steps at the start of a divorce can help you protect your own interests, your children and your finances. Divorces are always easier to get through when both parties make a good faith effort to work together to reach an amicable solution to any potential disagreements, but, sadly, this is rarely the case in today’s divorce proceedings. Because of this fact, hiring an attorney with experience handling California divorce cases should be your first step when considering divorce or after you have been served divorce papers.
Our legal team at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles understands that not all marriages work out and that, regardless of the reason for the divorce, it is a difficult situation for both parties, deserving of compassion, honesty and personal attention, especially when the divorce is contested. The most highly-contested issues that may arise in California divorce cases include:

Marital Property Division – California is a community property state, which means that the debts and assets a couple acquires in marriage belong to both spouses equally and must therefore be divided equally in divorce. However, this does not include either spouse’s separate property, which may include gifts, inheritances or property that the spouse owned prior to the marriage.
High Net-Worth Divorce – Divorce proceedings become considerably more complicated when substantial property and assets are involved. This may include investment accounts, ownership rights to a business, or multiple pieces of real estate.
Spousal Support – Because California is a no-fault divorce state (described in detail below), proof of misconduct has no bearing on the judge’s decision to grant the divorce, but it can be relevant to the calculation of spousal support.
Child Support – Like all states, California requires parents to continue to support their children, even after divorce. Under California law, both parents have an equal duty to provide for their child until he or she reaches 19 years of age, and each parent is expected to contribute according to his or her ability.
Child Custody and Visitation – The presumption in most divorce cases is that it is in the best interest of the child to have continuing contact with both parents following a divorce. However, if the parents can’t agree on a parenting plan, the court will decide how they will share time with their children. If one parent is granted sole legal custody of a child in divorce proceedings, that parent holds the exclusive responsibility for making decisions related to the child’s education, health and welfare, though visitation rights may be granted to the other parent.
If you disagree on how your marital assets or debts should be divided, or if you aren’t happy with your child custody and visitation arrangements, an experienced Los Angeles divorce lawyer can provide a fast and fair resolution to these important legal issues.

How to File for Divorce in California

California is a no-fault divorce state, which means that either party in a marriage has the right to file for divorce for no other reason than “irreconcilable differences,” and property settlements in CA divorce cases are not influenced by the behavior of either spouse, although child custody and visitation rights can be. Under California Family Code § 2320, in order for a judge to grant a divorce in California, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for six months, and in most cases, the individual seeking divorce must file in his or her county of residence, where he or she must have lived for at least three months. Once the divorce papers have been filed, California law dictates that the filing party must wait at least six months from the date the other spouse received the paperwork before the divorce can be finalized.
Steps to Filing Divorce
The first step in filing a divorce is to contact a skilled divorce lawyer that can walk you through the steps of the process. There are 10 basic steps in every divorce:

• Preparing to file
• Filing
• Serving Divorce Papers
• Responding to the Divorce
• Temporary Orders
• Financial Disclosures
• Discovery
• Settlement
• Trial
• Post-Judgment Issues

Not all divorce cases in California go to court. In some cases, couples can resolve their divorce disputes through negotiation or mediation, during which an attorney can make sure your best interests are being represented. Too often, couples filing for divorce believe they can handle the proceedings on their own and end up making a bigger mess of their situation than they started with. While we do encourage spouses filing for divorce to reach an agreement outside of court and try to avoid divorce litigation altogether, especially when children are involved, our experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys can assist with every aspect of the divorce process and will aggressively represent your case before a judge if it comes to that. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your case, we still stand by your side and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the process.

Preparing to File

It’s always a good idea plan for your divorce. Once you have decided to follow through, you’ll want to work with a divorce lawyer. Your legal team should help you prepare to file. Here are some steps we recommend you take before filing:
1. Copy All Important Documents.
Divorce requires a lot of paperwork. You’ll want to locate and make copies of all documents related to your assets, debts, income, and expenses: tax returns, bank account statements, retirement account statements, life insurance policies, mortgage statements, auto insurance policies, credit card statements, and paycheck stubs. Create digital copies of these documents and upload them to the cloud using a new random password-protected file. In addition to financial documents, you may want to consider copying family photographs, home videos, and other sentimental items.
2. Remove Personal Items.
Gather up your Social Security Card, medical insurance information, birth certificate, passport, and other personal documents and place them in a safe place. So many times families mix these documents up – they get shuffled into random areas and mixed in with other things. Make sure you have everything located.
3. Change Passwords.
Protect your confidentiality and change all of the passwords to your personal accounts, including cell phone, email, computer, social media, and iCloud accounts. Make sure you select a password that your spouse cannot guess.
4. Inventory Household Items.
You might need to be sneaky about this and do this when your spouse is not in the home. Use your phone to record a video of the contents in your home. Slowly walk through each room and describe the items as you record. Don’t forget about the items in your home safe.
5. Protect and Access Credit.
You must check your credit report before you begin the divorce process. It’s imperative that you know what debts exist and what your credit report looks like so that you can properly plan your financial future. If possible, you may want to open a new credit card solely in your name so that you can have access to emergency funds.

Your attorney should be able to advise you on any other issues or questions you might have. You’ll want to discuss everything with your legal team before you file.

Free Divorce Consultation in Los Angles

Divorce proceedings are not always simple and straightforward, especially when children are involved. In many cases, the consequences of a divorce can affect a person for the rest of his or her life, possibly resulting in a significant loss of financial support or reduced child visitation rights. A qualified divorce attorney however, can help you navigate the complex intricacies of family law and can negotiate the best settlement on your behalf. For more information about California divorce law and the divorce process, contact Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles for a risk-free initial consultation. Our main goal as divorce attorneys is to help you evaluate your options under California law and make informed decisions that protect your interests and legal rights. Don’t wait to get help, call our Los Angeles legal team today at (213) 550-4600.

Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles

5455 Wilshire Blvd
21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (213) 550-4600

Web: https://divorcelawyerslosangeles.com

Prenuptial agreements are put in place to protect your assets should your marriage end in divorce, but do you have the nerve to ask your fiance to sign one?

Do You Have the Nerve to Ask for a Prenup?

For years prenuptial agreements have had quite the stigma attached to them. Some people feel that the mere act of putting together this sort of agreement damns the relationship to failure. You should feel confident about your upcoming nuptials, so why even consider that the relationship might not last?

We Want “Prenup”!

It’s not just a lyric in a song. There’s a reason you’ll want to make sure you have a prenuptial agreement signed.

A prenuptial agreement, commonly referred to as a “prenup,” is a legal contract between two people about to get married that details how the couple’s assets will be distributed in the event of divorce or death. As discussed above, this prenuptial agreement can also have a social media clause added to it as another way of protecting you should you get divorced.

Prenuptial agreements are most frequently brought up in the context of a divorce or legal separation, when the couple is dividing up their property. However, a prenuptial agreement does not have to be viewed as a matter of distrust or discontent. Rather, it should be considered an equitable merger between two individuals who love one another and who want to protect their finances. Our legal team at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles has extensive experience drafting and reviewing prenuptial agreements in Los Angeles, and can also argue the validity of a prenuptial agreement in court for divorced or divorcing clients who want to uphold or contest an existing agreement. Our family law attorneys understand that no two marriages are alike and we will treat your case with the respect and careful attention to detail it deserves.

What a Prenuptial Agreement Means for You

For many couples in Los Angeles, a prenuptial agreement is a smart way for individuals with a high net worth or significant property to protect their premarital assets and plan for any unexpected issues in the future, such as divorce or death. Most people who opt for a prenuptial agreement owned businesses or other valuable assets prior to their marriage, whether it’s their first, second or subsequent marriage, and want to avoid having their property or assets divided up in divorce. Under the state of California’s community property provision, all assets and debts acquired in marriage belong to both spouses equally and must therefore be divided 50-50 in divorce. If a couple decides they want to handle their property division differently, they can make this known in a prenuptial agreement.

The matters addressed in California prenuptial agreements can vary, but typically include provisions for the division of community and separate property, including the right to buy, sell, lease or mortgage real estate, and the payment of alimony or spousal support in the event of a divorce. For example, a spouse who would otherwise be entitled to spousal support after a divorce can legally relinquish his or her right to future alimony payments in a prenuptial agreement. In some cases, a prenup may include terms for the forfeiture of assets if a marriage ends on the grounds of infidelity, further conditions of guardianship, or a requirement of confidentiality, post-divorce. A prenuptial agreement can set ground rules regarding a couple’s present and future property rights and other important marital matters, but it does not override the court’s power to control child custody and parental visitation rights, nor can it adversely affect a child’s right to child support.

Similar to a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement is also executed to settle a couple’s affairs and assets in the event of a divorce or legal separation. However, as the name suggests, a postnuptial agreement is written after a couple gets married, rather than before.

How to Ask Your Partner for a Prenup

If you’re nervous about broaching the subject with your soon-to-be husband or wife, you might want to consider these tips:

1. Have the conversation earlier rather than later.

If you’re even remotely considering a prenuptial agreement, consider bringing it up in one of your initial post-engagement talks. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment – but this is one of the easiest times to cover all your bases – right when you’re both discussing what you want out of the marriage. Addressing everything from the outset takes any emotional pressure out of it. It also allows the both of you to have an open and relaxed conversation about it. In many cases, the other spouse is also trying to figure out how to broach the subject – so you might actually hear a big sigh of relief after you mention it.

2. Decide on the agreement terms together. 
If you presenting a pre-drafted agreement to your partner, you’ll most likely put them on the defensive. Instead, use a mediator to draft an agreement together. This method ensures an open dialogue where you’ll both be able to discuss your expectations from the marriage.

While a mediator is good during the drafting portion of this process, you’ll want to hire independent attorneys to review the finished draft to increase the chance that the agreement will be upheld if it’s challenged.

3. Be honest about what you want.
Start with an honest conversation about why you want a prenuptial agreement. This can be for any number of reasons, including family history, beliefs, or other experiences.

Additionally, be open about explaining why certain aspects of the agreement are important to you. The more your partner understands your reasoning, the better the conversation will go.

4. Listen to your partner. 
Your partner will have most likely have needs and concerns that differ from yours.

When disagreements come up, look at every possible solution and use the disagreement as a way to strengthen the relationship. Marriage is often about seeing the other person’s point of view and then meeting them halfway. This is a great opportunity to practice that.

5. Leave room for change over time. 
A prenup has to account for events that haven’t happened yet – and even events that aren’t even in the foreseeable future. An example of this is a family business or having children. A partner may become an even larger part of a family business or one of you may decide to stay at home to raise your children.

A successful prenuptial agreement must be sensitive to various outcomes. A skilled attorney will be able to point you and your soon-to-be spouse in the right direction when trying to accommodate these potential outcomes.

How to Prepare a Prenuptial Agreement in California

Prenuptial agreements are about more than spouses attempting to withhold assets from one another in the event of a divorce. This type of contract is designed to control the outcome of any potential dispute that may arise should a divorce occur, especially among high net worth individuals, and is the best way to protect the finances of everyone involved, whether they own a business, have a higher earning potential, or expect a significant inheritance. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the execution of a prenuptial agreement, there are certain circumstances that affect the validity of a prenup. Under California’s Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA), Los Angeles prenuptial agreements signed by both parties automatically go into effect when the couple marries, but in order to be considered valid and enforceable in court, the contract must:

• • Be in writing;
  • Be substantially fair when entered into;
  • Be notarized;
  • Fully disclose the assets and debts of each spouse; and
  • Not be against public policy.

A prenuptial agreement can be prepared by either spouse in a relationship, though it’s typically the higher-earning spouse who has the prenup drawn up as they typically have more assets to protect. This is not a hard and fast rule. Either party is able to conclude they want a prenuptial agreement. Under California law, when presented with a prenuptial agreement, the other spouse must be given at least seven days to consult an attorney before signing the contract.

How an Experienced Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Can Help

Los Angeles prenuptial agreements are complex and are considered legally binding contracts that can significantly affect your financial future should your marriage end in death or divorce. Prenuptial agreements are delicate matters and should only be prepared or reviewed by a Los Angeles family law attorney who is familiar with the relevant divorce codes and the intricacies of the California legal system. Our reputable family law attorneys at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles can help you draft a prenuptial agreement to protect your premarital assets, review an agreement you are preparing to sign, or represent your case in upholding or challenging a prenuptial agreement in court. We have seen how prenuptial agreements have been challenged in the past and we will draft your agreement carefully so as to adequately protect you from future loss.

Free Prenuptial Agreement Consultation in Los Angeles

People with significant assets who are planning to get married often decline to introduce a prenuptial agreement because they don’t foresee a negative outcome in their future, such as death or divorce, and they don’t want to sow any discord in their relationship. Unfortunately, foregoing a prenuptial agreement in Los Angeles can be devastating if a married couple ends up getting a divorce and having to split up their property and assets. If you are about to get married and you have significant assets, or you have been married before, it might be a good idea to have your spouse sign a prenuptial agreement to protect yourself and your financial well-being. On the other side of the coin, if your spouse asks you to sign a prenuptial agreement, it is your duty to contact an attorney to ensure you fully understand the terms of the contract as they apply to you. For more information about prenuptial agreements in Los Angeles and how they can affect your financial well-being, contact our experienced family law attorneys at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles today for a free initial consultation.

Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles

5455 Wilshire Blvd
21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (213) 550-4600

Web: https://divorcelawyerslosangeles.com

Unless you are in a relationship, you never really know what’s going on behind closed doors. That being said, there are still a number of celebrity divorces that still have us reeling and wondering “but why didn’t they work?”

Celebrity Divorces That Are Still Confusing for Us

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris officially announced their split on Aug. 6, 2017. The couple seemed perfect for each other. When they divorced the two released this shared statement: “Anna and I are sad to announce we are legally separating. We tried hard for a long time, and we’re really disappointed. Our son has two parents who love him very much and for his sake we want to keep this situation as private as possible moving forward. We still have love for each other, will always cherish our time together and continue to have the deepest respect for one another.”

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

The Hollywood power couple that had been together for years shocked us when Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016. The two are still negotiating the terms of their divorce and custody of their six children—Maddox, 16, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 11, and 9-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum

Dewan and Tatum met on the set of their 2006 movie Step Up.  After 9 years of marriage, the two decided to “lovingly separate” in April 2018. The two, which seemed so happy from the outside released this statement upon their divorce: “There are no secrets nor salacious events at the root of our decision — just two best-friends realizing it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible.”

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux

After two and half years of marriage, the Wanderlust co-stars announced their divorce in February 2018. The couple released this statement: “This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year. We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship.”

Sometimes you might not see a divorce coming, and sometimes the writing is on the walls. If you are facing divorce, or even just beginning to think about it, you’ll want to consult a family law attorney that can advise you on the process. You might not be ready to file, but if it’s a thought in your mind, you’ll want to understand the process and what you will need to do should you decide to go through with a divorce.

Hiring an Attorney

Going through a divorce can be one of the most difficult, stressful and emotionally draining experiences in a person’s life, and hiring an attorney early in the process can help avoid the mistakes that inevitably occur when parties seeking divorce represent themselves in court. The legal system can be confusing for anyone without an extensive legal background and family law cases, in particular, can become complicated and messy when not dealt with properly. Our attorneys at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles have the experience and resources necessary to handle high-asset divorces in L.A. and the surrounding areas, and the competence to resolve critical disputes, including those that involve marital property division and child custody and visitation arrangements. Whether your California divorce case requires aggressive negotiation, mediation or representation at trial, hiring a knowledgeable attorney to represent your case can help ease any concerns you may have about the outcome of your case and may even help resolve your case more quickly.

How to File for Divorce in California

California is a no-fault divorce state, which means that either party in a marriage has the right to file for divorce for no other reason than “irreconcilable differences,” and property settlements in CA divorce cases are not influenced by the behavior of either spouse, although child custody and visitation rights can be. Under California Family Code § 2320, in order for a judge to grant a divorce in California, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for six months, and in most cases, the individual seeking divorce must file in his or her county of residence, where he or she must have lived for at least three months. Once the divorce papers have been filed, California law dictates that the filing party must wait at least six months from the date the other spouse received the paperwork before the divorce can be finalized.

The Divorce Process

The steps you need to take to file your divorce will depend on the particulars of your situation and circumstances. A divorce where the parties have been married for a relatively short period of time, have no children, and little property or debts is typically less involved than a divorce where the parties have been married for a long period of time, where there are minor children, or where there is significant property or debt to divide.

The divorce process is also made simpler in cases where both parties want to and agree to divorce. In cases where one party wants a divorce and the other does not, the opposing party might choose to prolong the process as much as possible.

If both parties are able to agree to the terms of the divorce, the process will be smoother as opposed to one where both parties are constantly disagreeing and fighting over the terms.

Filing a petition

The first step in the divorce process is filing a petition. Even when both parties agree to divorce, one of them will need to file a petition that states the grounds for the divorce. The grounds for divorce vary depending on the jurisdiction. All jurisdictions allow for some type of no-fault grounds such as “irreconcilable differences”, but only a few states still consider fault grounds for divorce, such as adultery or abandonment. California is a no-fault state so the grounds will be “irreconcilable differences.”

Temporary Orders

Next, temporary orders will need to be put in place. These orders are for spousal and/or child support and custody. A temporary order is usually granted within a few days and remains in effect until a full court hearing.

Service of Process

The party that files the divorce also needs to file proof of service of process. This is a document that shows a copy of the divorce petition was given to the other party. If you are working with an attorney, he or she will be able to arrange this.

Response

The party who receives service of process then needs to file a response to the petition. The responding party may choose to assert a defense to the grounds. If there is disagreement as to property division, support, custody, or any other issue, this should be set out in the response.

Negotiation

If the parties don’t agree on all the issues such as child custody or spousal support, they will need to try to negotiate their differences. A court may schedule settlement conferences in an attempt to have the parties resolve their issues. If the parties disagree on child custody and visitation, the court may also choose to order mediation, evaluation of the children and parents by a social worker or other court employee and that a lawyer or guardian ad litem be appointed to represent the children. Other issues that may need to be negotiated are the property division and any spousal support.

Trial

Any issues the parties cannot resolve between themselves will be decided at a trial. However, going to trial takes longer, costs more money, and may have less predictable results.

Order of Dissolution

The order of dissolution ends the marriage and spells out how property and debts are to be divided, child custody, support and any other issues. When the parties negotiate their own resolution to all of the issues, they draft the order of dissolution and submit it to the court. If the order of dissolution complies with legal requirements and both parties entered into it knowingly and willingly, then a judge approves it. Otherwise the court will issue an Order of Dissolution at the end of the trial.

How an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Can Help

Not all divorce cases in California go to court. In some cases, couples can resolve their divorce disputes through negotiation or mediation, during which an attorney can make sure your best interests are being represented. Too often, couples filing for divorce believe they can handle the proceedings on their own and end up making a bigger mess of their situation than they started with. While we do encourage spouses filing for divorce to reach an agreement outside of court and try to avoid divorce litigation altogether, especially when children are involved, our experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys can assist with every aspect of the divorce process and will aggressively represent your case before a judge if it comes to that. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your case, we still stand by your side and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the process.

Free Divorce Consultation in Los Angles

Divorce proceedings are not always simple and straightforward, especially when children are involved. In many cases, the consequences of a divorce can affect a person for the rest of his or her life, possibly resulting in a significant loss of financial support or reduced child visitation rights. A qualified divorce attorney however, can help you navigate the complex intricacies of family law and can negotiate the best settlement on your behalf. For more information about California divorce law and the divorce process, contact Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles for a risk-free initial consultation. Our main goal as divorce attorneys is to help you evaluate your options under California law and make informed decisions that protect your interests and legal rights. Don’t wait to get help, call our Los Angeles legal team today at (213) 550-4600.

Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles

5455 Wilshire Blvd
21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (213) 550-4600

Web: https://divorcelawyerslosangeles.com

Doctors are in the practice of saving lives. When they can’t save their marriages, the fact that they’re a doctor can make the divorce even more difficult.

Divorcing Doctors

When it comes to property division in divorce, being a doctor can complicate an already complicated situation. According to statistics, one in three married physicians will go through a divorce, which isn’t all that surprising, given the fact that physicians often work long hours and sometimes have to put the needs of their patients before their own or their family’s. there are many factors that contribute to divorce, but among doctors here are some common reasons:

• The inherent demands of the job;
• The emotional work experiences of physicians, particularly those in surgical and psychiatric specialties;
• Marrying before medical school graduation;
• Expressing more anger under stress

Divorces in general are often complicated situations, but in the case of a medical doctor with significant property and assets or high net worth, it can be even more so.

Marital Property Division in California Divorces

One of the most important things to consider when filing for divorce is that California is a community property state, which means that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses equally and must therefore be equally divided in divorce, which is why many medical doctors in California insist on a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. If you are a medical doctor in Los Angeles and you opened your practice after getting married, the financial value of the practice or the increase in the practice’s value during the marriage could be subject to a 50-50 split during your divorce. Even if your practice was already established when you were married, but your spouse gave up a potentially promising career to further your own aspirations or worked in the office at a reduced pay or without any pay, your spouse may be entitled to a share of the practice in divorce.

When it comes to property division, the divorcing couple must do three things: determine whether the property or debt is marital or separate, agree on a value for the marital property, and decide how to divide the marital property equally. The division of marital property in California is final, which is why it’s important that you obtain the best possible result from the outset, and this is where having an experienced family law attorney on your side is immensely helpful.

Medical Practice and Property Division

When a physician gets divorced the value of the medical practice as a financial asset must be determined. These days, most doctors belong to a partnership or group practice. A knowledgeable family law attorney like the ones at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles will ask the following key questions to get the evaluation process started:

What kind of entity is the group practice?
Was it established before or during the marriage?
How was the practice funded?
Was stock issued to any participants?
Is there a buy/sell agreement for the business?
Is there any future vesting of ownership/stock the participant could be entitled to after the divorce is finalized if the participant acquired such a right during the marriage?

You’ll want to make sure you have all this information because it will affect the valuation of the practice.  Chances are your lawyer will suggest working with an accountant with experience in assessing the value of medical practices specifically. That accountant will examine tangible and financial assets, accounts receivable, office equipment and furniture, the office lease and the overall value of the practice including profitability.

“Goodwill”

The valuation may also include what is known as “goodwill.” Goodwill is considered an intangible asset and means the expectation of continued patronage of the practice, or whether the physician will continue to be able to maintain as well as increase the number of patients. To asses this, many things are considered, including the physician’s age, health, skills, knowledge, reputation and earning power. The length of time the practice has been open, the location of the practice, and the existing patients will all be taken into consideration when determining “goodwill.”

Other liabilities to consider include insurance costs, taxes due, contributions to retirement plans and loans.

Additional Considerations

An accountant will also make sure that the divorcing partner has been receiving his or her fair share of income from the practice and that the amount is equivalent to what the other partners are receiving. You will need to be forthright with your financial information. Any effort to misrepresent your income could be considered fraud. It’s also advised that you notify your partners in practice of the impending divorce. In certain situations the divorce might become their legal problem as well.

A Note:
In many jurisdictions a non-physician cannot own a medical practice or employ a physician. Legally, a spouse who is not a physician cannot, under any circumstances, take over a share of a medical practice. This is important to remember because that means a spouse that is not a physician cannot become an “owner” of the practice as part of a divorce settlement.

Divorcing spouses will need to arrive at a financial settlement based on the value of the practice. If spouses are unable to decide, it will be left up to the court to decide for both parties.

If you are able to, you should include in practice agreements a stipulation that if the marriage of one of the partners or participants is dissolved, all of that member’s stock in the practice is forfeited. (It may be possible for the doctor in the divorce to buy back into the practice once the divorce is completed.

Additional Legal Mistakes

It’s essential that if you are a doctor and you are facing divorce that you choose an attorney with substantial experience in the process. Some of the most costly legal mistakes doctors make in a divorce include:

• Hiring an inexperienced attorney
• Failing to disclose damaging personal and/or business information to their attorney
• Failing to insist on a confidentiality agreement to protect their patient list and other confidential information related to the practice
• Understating or overstating the value of their medical practice
• Disregarding important deadlines and requests for information
• Never having had an active role in the care of their children
• Failing to consider tax consequences
• Failing to make a complete inventory of assets and debts

Working with a lawyer that is skilled with not only physician involved divorces, but also skilled with high-net-worth divorces is crucial to having the best result in your divorce.

Understanding What Divorce Means for You

Divorce is often complicated and messy, and even in situations where both spouses agree to dissolve the marriage, a divorce is not always a straightforward resolution, especially for medical doctors. A divorce can have serious consequences on your children, friends and relatives, and if you own your own medical practice, on your employees and on the practice itself. Many physicians in Los Angeles have toiled for years and sacrificed a great deal in other parts of their lives to build successful medical practices. What they don’t realize is that, in the event of a divorce, if their spouse claims the practice as marital property and demands payment of cash or other assets, their practice could be at stake.

There are also the issues of spousal support, or alimony, and child support to consider, both of which you may be ordered to pay if you get a divorce and you are the higher-earning spouse and/or if your children live with your spouse the majority of the time. During divorce proceedings, the court can decide which spouse gets custody of the children (if the couple has children together), what amount of child support or alimony will be paid, and how to divide the marital property. It’s also important to note that California is a no-fault divorce state, which means proof of misconduct has no bearing on the judge’s decision to grant a divorce, though it may be relevant to other decisions, including the calculation of spousal support.

How an Experienced Medical Doctor Divorce Lawyer Can Help

Going through a divorce can be complicated, stressful and exhausting, and many times, couples will disagree on how their property should be divided, which can cause the divorce proceedings to drag on longer than anticipated. Because so many different issues can arise from a divorce filing, it’s important that you have a knowledgeable California family law attorney on your side who has a proven track record in Los Angeles divorce cases. Simply put, an attorney with experience representing medical doctors in Los Angeles divorce proceedings can make the divorce process significantly easier on you and your family. Our attorneys at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles are committed to protecting your rights under California law and will work tirelessly to minimize the emotional and financial consequences of a divorce and help you obtain a fair settlement in your case.

Free Medical Doctor Divorce Consultation in Los Angeles

One of the most contentious legal issues arising from Los Angeles divorce proceedings is the division of property and assets, and this is especially true for medical doctors with a high net worth. The adverse consequences of a divorce can have an effect on the rest of your life, and as in other areas of family law practice, the first step towards success in a medical doctor divorce case is hiring the right attorney to represent your best interests. If you are considering filing for divorce in Los Angeles, or if you have been served divorce papers by your spouse, and one of you is a medical doctor, contact Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles today at (213) 550-4600 for a free initial consultation.

Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles

5455 Wilshire Blvd
21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (213) 550-4600

Web: https://divorcelawyerslosangeles.com

If you’re trying to stop your divorce or delay proceedings one of the worst things you can do is skip your court hearing!

Don’t Skip Your Divorce Court Hearing

There are many reasons you may choose to not appear at your divorce court hearing – apathy, anger, depression, or guilt. If you are fighting your divorce, all of these emotions are common. Don’t let these emotions get you further in trouble though.

Failing to Appear in Court

Failure to appear in divorce court legally means you have skipped a scheduled court date without notifying the court. By doing so you can be charged with contempt of court. Additionally, a judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest and you may also have to pay a fine.

Not showing up can also give the court a bad impression and allows your spouse to tell the court whatever they want to. When you aren’t there to speak in court, you’re not able to defend yourself. Their testimony will be recorded as part of the record, in addition to the fact that you did not show up. Once something is added to the court record, it can be very hard to disprove it.

Coping with Divorce Emotions

Divorce can obviously bring up a lot of emotions. These emotions can be the hardest part of the process. Do not let them get in the way of the decisions you need to make. Here are some tips for working through this difficult adjustment.

It’s OK to have different feelings. It’s normal to feel sad, angry, anxious, exhausted, frustrated and confused—and these feelings can be intense but will lessen over time.

Take a break. Allow yourself permission to take a break. Chances are you will not have the motivation to do many of the things you used to. No one is superman or superwoman.  Take time for yourself to allow yourself to heal, regroup and re-energize.

Don’t go through this alone. Friends and family can help you get through this period. You might also consider joining a support group. Other people have, and are currently going through what you are. In a support group you’ll be able to talk to others in similar situations. Do not isolate yourself. And never be afraid to get outside help if you need it.

Take care of yourself emotionally as well as physically. Exercising, eating well, and relaxing are all crucial at this time. Try to keep to your normal routines as much as possible. Avoid making any major decisions or changes in life plans. This can be hard, but it’s best to avoid turning to alcohol, drugs or cigarettes as a way to cope; they only lead to more problems.

Avoid power struggles and arguments with your spouse or former spouse. Negotiating your relationship with your soon-to-be-exes will be one of the most difficult things you do. Learning how to communicate in a civil way, especially if the relationship has turned contentious, is crucial. If a conversation with your ex begins to turn into a fight, calmly suggest you both try talking again later. It’s okay to take a break from the conversation, whether it be in person, on the phone, or via text or email.

Take time to explore your interests. Reconnect with things you enjoy doing apart from your spouse. Maybe you’ve always been interested in something but you’ve never had the chance to try it out. Sign up for a class or a league, invest time in your hobbies, volunteer, and take the time you have now to enjoy life and make new friends.

Be flexible. As you go through navigating your past-divorce life, you’ll also need to be flexible. This is especially true if you have children with your spouse. Figuring out child visitation, holidays, and new schedules can be difficult. While these schedules should be agreed to and planned, remember that instances will always arise to throw those schedules out of whack. Be flexible when this happens, while understanding that sometimes you will also need to adjust the pre-agreed-to schedule.

Be positive. This is the hardest part, but staying positive can change the entire course of how you deal with the aftermath of your divorce. Be patient with yourself and try to find as much joy in your day as possible.

Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles

The decision to dissolve a marriage should never be taken lightly, nor should the process of deciding on marital property division, spousal support, child support or child custody rights. If you are considering filing for divorce in California or if you have been served divorce papers, your first course of action should be to contact the experienced attorneys at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles. Our California divorce practice prides itself on aggressively representing the best interests of our clients and our attorneys will work tirelessly to limit the stress, fear, uncertainty and financial difficulties that typically accompany divorce cases. With Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles on your side, you can feel confident that your case will be handled with competence and compassion, from start to finish.

Affordable Los Angeles Divorce Attorney

Going through a divorce can be one of the most difficult, stressful and emotionally draining experiences in a person’s life, and hiring an attorney early in the process can help avoid the mistakes that inevitably occur when parties seeking divorce represent themselves in court. The legal system can be confusing for anyone without an extensive legal background and family law cases in particular can become complicated and messy when not dealt with properly. Our attorneys at Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles have the experience and resources necessary to handle high-asset divorces in L.A. and the surrounding areas, and the competence to resolve critical disputes, including those that involve marital property division and child custody and visitation arrangements. Whether your California divorce case requires aggressive negotiation, mediation or representation at trial, hiring a knowledgeable attorney to represent your case can help ease any concerns you may have about the outcome of your case and may even help resolve your case more quickly.

Understanding What Divorce Means for You

According to statistics, nearly 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce, or a dissolution of marriage, and whether your divorce is uncontested or contested – meaning you and your spouse disagree on one or more issues – it’s important to fight for what is rightfully yours once the marriage ends. A failed marriage can be emotionally and financially draining and taking the right steps at the start of a divorce can help you protect your own interests, your children and your finances. Divorces are always easier to get through when both parties make a good faith effort to work together to reach an amicable solution to any potential disagreements, but, sadly, this is rarely the case in today’s divorce proceedings. Because of this fact, hiring an attorney with experience handling California divorce cases should be your first step when considering divorce or after you have been served divorce papers.

Filing an Uncontested Divorce in California

You are also able to file an uncontested divorce in California. An “uncontested divorce” is where you and your spouse reach an uncomplicated resolution to your divorce case. You’re able to file an uncontested divorce if the following apply:

• You and your spouse agree on how to handle property, money, and child custody and visitation. In some cases, this means neither party will need to file a response to court filing.
• Your spouse does not disagree with you on your requests and is not likely to file forms in court saying so. In a situation where the spouse does not file a response, the Petitioner will receive a “default” judgment.

With an uncontested case, you may not need to have the court hear your case. Instead, the case can be handled by mail or by brief contact with the judge or the judge’s clerk.

How an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Can Help

Not all divorce cases in California go to court. In some cases, couples can resolve their divorce disputes through negotiation or mediation, during which an attorney can make sure your best interests are being represented. Too often, couples filing for divorce believe they can handle the proceedings on their own and end up making a bigger mess of their situation than they started with. While we do encourage spouses filing for divorce to reach an agreement outside of court and try to avoid divorce litigation altogether, especially when children are involved, our experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys can assist with every aspect of the divorce process and will aggressively represent your case before a judge if it comes to that. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your case, we still stand by your side and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the process.

Free Divorce Consultation in Los Angles

Divorce proceedings are not always simple and straightforward, especially when children are involved. In many cases, the consequences of a divorce can affect a person for the rest of his or her life, possibly resulting in a significant loss of financial support or reduced child visitation rights. A qualified divorce attorney however, can help you navigate the complex intricacies of family law and can negotiate the best settlement on your behalf. For more information about California divorce law and the divorce process, contact Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles for a risk-free initial consultation. Our main goal as divorce attorneys is to help you evaluate your options under California law and make informed decisions that protect your interests and legal rights. Don’t wait to get help, call our Los Angeles legal team today at (213) 550-4600.

Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles

5455 Wilshire Blvd
21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (213) 550-4600

Web: https://divorcelawyerslosangeles.com