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We’ve heard it a million times – half of American marriages end in divorce. This statistic still holds true, but divorce also doesn’t have to be the first option for a struggling marriage. Valentine’s Day is in February, and this month we want to look at alternative ways to move…

The internet is chock full of information on how to be a parent. There’s advice on when your child should be learning this trick or hitting that stage. There are countless websites and articles centered around what you can do to be the best parent possible. You may have felt…

Keeping our children safe is priority number one for parents. It’s imperative to continue taking on that responsibility even after a divorce, whether you’re a custodial or noncustodial parent. Of course, you have a custody order from the court and need to adhere to this order – but what happens…

Divorce and separation take a lot out of us. We enter relationships with the hope of something meaningful and lasting. In some cases, these relationships result in having children together – whether the relationship was brief or long-lasting. When a relationship ends and children are involved, the circumstances take on…

The title of this blog is one of the most common questions we get from clients at Carroll Law Office. It’s entirely understandable, too. After all, you’re ready to move on with your life and focus on new beginnings. While California law has guidelines that dictate this, the ultimate answer…

At Carroll Law Office, we focus on simplifying life’s complexities for California families. This time of year is a complicated one for many because school is back in session which means schedules are up in the air. There’s so much to get to as our children start school and extracurricular…

Bringing a child into this world is a long-term commitment that ideally lasts the rest of our lives. We want to be there through the highs and lows of their growth into adulthood. Unfortunately, circumstances change and sometimes parents have to defend their right to be a part of their…

At every corner of the internet, there’s information about “staying together for the kids” and how it might be better to just suck it up when you’re in a toxic relationship. There are studies about how stable relationships in the home are beneficial for children and likely set them up…

When you’re going through a divorce, one of the major financial considerations will be spousal support (commonly known as alimony) in California. This is a court-ordered payment from one party to the other following divorce. Usually, these payments are only ordered when the divorce will cause a significant change in…

Your estate plan is a part of your legacy. It’s going to be the best avenue you have to define your wishes and ensure all your hard work ends up in the right hands after you’re gone. So, you should be thinking about your plan every step of the way.…

A properly drafted and funded Medicaid Asset Protection Trust may help you keep your property safe and secure from Medicaid asset recovery, as well as help you remain eligible for benefits. A qualified attorney can structure the trust to help ensure that your assets remain protected and retain the maximum…

For children, the best place for them should be home. A stable home life allows your children to grow and sets them up for not only future personal success but provides a guide to what home life should look when they start a family of their own. However, sometimes home…

Estate Planning is the process of working with an attorney to create a legally-binding plan for what will happen to your belongings, property, and remaining money after you pass away. Estate Planning can be accomplished through a variety of methods, or even a combination of a few. Your Estate Plan…

If you are having difficulties in your marriage, you have likely started researching what options you have available to you. It is a good idea to understand your situation as well as possible so that you can make the right choices for yourself and your family. For many couples who…

The holiday season is always difficult for divorced parents and their children. Parents have to let go of old grudges and bad memories so that they can work together and make the season special for the kids, who may be feeling sad at the realization that their family is now…

A significant reason why divorce can be so stressful is because of the uncertainty it brings. The future you had imagined is no longer achievable. In addition to losing a partner, you may have to negotiate child custody, child support, and alimony. Asking about the financial aspects of divorce (i.e.,…

After your divorce is finalized, you will no longer be a husband or a wife, but you are still a parent. And you will need to be one when your child needs it the most. You face the challenge of being at your best for the sake of your children…

The short answer to this question is that it takes a minimum of six months. You will quickly discover that these types of questions are followed with the words, “it depends.” That is not a means to circumvent the question. These answers are always tied to your specific circumstances. And…

If you have children, you will continue to be in close contact with your former spouse. Together you two will have to face new challenges as co-parents. One of the more unique circumstances during this time is how new people will be brought into your family. Either you, your spouse…

Do you need a will or a trust? When people create an estate plan, they will likely include both. And people can have multiple trusts. An estate plan is the culmination of documents that you make. Each one serves a purpose. A skilled attorney will build your estate plan using one…