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Serving Clients Throughout Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, and Napa Counties
There are a few steps that can and will occur before you get to a review hearing. The process begins when Child Protective Services (CPS) files a petition with the court stating that a child is not safe by living with their parents and why this is the case. During…
Despite the reasons, having a family breakup is both emotionally and physically challenging. It can become even more so when you need to fight for custody of a child because they are at risk. Educate yourself in the emergency custody process to know what to expect. In California, the first…
All divorces have one thing in common- the marriage didn’t work out. Even couples who are determined to be amicable may find themselves overwhelmed by feelings of anger and regret, leading to arguments. When your spouse is argumentative, a minor disagreement can escalate fast. It is in everyone’s best interests…
Living trusts are a highly-effective estate planning tool that can spare your loved ones the expensive and time-consuming probate process. Once established, they allow a third party (known as a trustee) to hold and manage assets on behalf of your beneficiaries and when you pass, these assets are passed on…
While a will is a good starting place for your estate plan, a strong plan will utilize many other tools to determine what will happen to your assets after you pass away, or what will happen if you become ill or incapacitated before that time. Today we’re highlighting one of…
When a baby is born to a married couple, California law assumes that the mother’s husband is the baby’s father. That man gets all the benefits of legal paternity, such as the right to pursue custody if the pair divorces. But did you know that if you aren’t married to…
Coronavirus has changed our lives in many frightening ways, from threatening our health and that of our loved ones to contributing to rising suicide rates, and new data suggests another disturbing trend: Stay home orders have caused a rise in domestic violence cases. Whether it is simply being reported more…
When it comes to relationship issues and divorce, everyone seems to have an opinion. Sometimes your loved ones’ advice varies so greatly that it can be difficult to know whose words to heed and whose to disregard. While we know your loved ones have only the best intentions, the Carroll…
When you create a will, you need to name an executor. The executor of your will is a person who has the legal responsibility to ensure that your financial matters are handled properly after you pass away. They will likely pay bills and taxes on behalf of your estate, distribute…
These unprecedented times are scary for us all. Though the numbers are still out, it seems that while coronavirus is mainly life-threatening only for the elderly and immunocompromised, it can also in some cases claim the lives of the young and the healthy. For many, this is a wakeup call.…
When you’re a parent and your divorce is finalized, it’s the end of one emotional rollercoaster and the beginning of the next. Co-parenting with your ex presents many difficulties. However, when you’re successful, it can be extremely rewarding. Read on to discover the Carroll Law Office team’s best tips for…
Many decedents’ estates end up having to pass through California's probate court system in some capacity. Probate court is the legal process through which estates are settled in accordance with relevant federal, state, and local laws, in addition to any estate planning documents the decedent might have created. California’s probate…
Do you have a strong bond with your cat? Can’t imagine life without your dog? Many people who adopt pets with their spouses and later seek a divorce feel worried that they might not be able to keep their pet in the divorce, especially if their soon-to-be-ex also has a…
Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family, and stepparent adoption is a special and unique way to really show your love. Unfortunately, adoption can also be a very complex legal process that needs to be handled properly in order to avoid delays and other issues. This blog outlines…
When a person creates an estate plan, the estate plan typically includes a Will and that Will typically names an executor. If a person does not create a will, courts will assign an executor of their estate after their death. So what exactly is an executor? If you’ve been named…
A revocable living trust is a legal document that is used as a part of many estate planning strategies. The document is drafted and signed while you are living and funded by the assets you choose. These assets can include property, many financial accounts, and much more. When added to…
Without a doubt, prenuptial agreements get a lot of bad press. For many, signing a prenup is equal to taking the first step on a path that will surely end with a divorce – and that’s even before the couple actually gets married. It is true that a prenup regulates…
A Living Will is an important document that allows a person to state in advance his or her wishes with regards to medical treatment and end-of-life care. Its main purpose is to provide doctors and health care providers with information about the patient’s preferences and decisions in situations when they…
According to California Family Code, both parents have an equal responsibility to care for their child’s health, safety, and welfare. One of the primary ways to do so is by providing the child with adequate financial support and satisfying their material needs such as the need for sustenance, shelter and…
Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, is a serious problem in the U.S. Statistics shows that, on average, almost 20 people are physically abused by their intimate partner every minute. Unfortunately, California is no exception to this saddening national trend. Data shows that 32.9% of women and 27.3% of men have experienced some form of…
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