In California, prenuptial agreements (prenups) and postnuptial agreements (postnups) are legal contracts designed to protect the financial interests of spouses in the event of divorce or separation. While both serve similar purposes, they differ in their timing and certain legal requirements. Whether you are considering a prenup before marriage or a postnup after tying the knot, it is essential to understand how these agreements work under California family law.
Your child is older now, and you thought the monthly child support issue was finally behind you. Then a notice arrives showing an unpaid balance from years ago, and suddenly a part of your old support case is back in front of you. You start wondering whether that amount still has to be paid and what happens now that the original support period has ended.
You bought the house before you were married, so you always assumed it was yours. Then, during the divorce, questions arise about mortgage payments made during the marriage and whether your spouse may have an interest in part of the property’s value. Suddenly, an asset you thought would be simple has become one of the most complicated parts of dividing your property.
When you are navigating a custody case, one of your biggest concerns may be how much time you will spend with your child. You may wonder whether California requires parents to split parenting time equally or how a judge decides which schedule works best. You may also wonder if there is some kind of child custody percentage calculator that can help you develop a parenting plan.
You have been married for years, bought a home, and perhaps started a business together. Now, changing circumstances raise questions you never discussed before the wedding. Who owns what, and can you put your understanding in writing?