Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLPFindLaw IM Template2026-09-25T17:41:54Zhttps://www.molmfamlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1405191/2022/04/cropped-molm-site-icon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[Should you buy a home during your divorce?]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=546342026-09-25T17:41:54Z2026-09-25T17:41:54ZWhere to live is one of the first decisions spouses make after having the initial divorce conversation. A few options exist. When possible, spouses can both remain in the family home, operating from different parts of the house. Other options include renting a temporary apartment and moving in with family and friends.
But what about buying a home?
Can you buy a home before your divorce is finalized?
It’s not unlawful to buy a home when going through a divorce in California. The question is, should you do so?Purchasing a new home during a divorce has significant legal and financial risks. For starters, California is a community property state that observes a strict 50/50 split rule. Thus, all earnings, assets and debts acquired by either spouse during a marriage are owned equally and split evenly during a divorce. If you buy a house before your divorce is legally finalized, it can be considered community property, particularly if you buy it with funds acquired during the marriage. If this happens, your soon-to-be ex-spouse may claim interest in the home. If circumstances make it necessary or highly practical to buy a home during your divorce, it’s critical to obtain as much information as possible to avoid costly mistakes. Another risk of buying a home during your divorce is that you may violate court orders. In California, Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs) are imposed upon filing for divorce and remain active until the final judgment is entered. These orders restrict several actions, including the disposition of property. If you buy a new home without following the right procedures, you may violate an order, which can result in severe penalties.Although legal, buying a new home during a divorce can be risky. Learn more about the steps to take to protect yourself. ]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[Divorce when your spouse controls all the money]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=546302026-09-16T17:04:02Z2026-09-16T17:04:02ZIf your spouse has always handled the bank accounts, paid the bills, managed investments and filed the taxes, you may enter a divorce without knowing exactly what your family owns or owes. That lack of access can make it difficult to assess your financial position when property and support issues are being decided.
However, controlling the household finances does not automatically give a spouse greater ownership of the marital estate. You still have the right to a fair share of the marital estate under California law.
You are entitled to financial information
California law requires divorcing spouses to provide full and accurate disclosure of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The legal obligation applies regardless of whether property is ultimately characterized as community or separate.Financial records can be especially important when one spouse has always handled the family’s finances. Bank statements, tax returns, investment statements, loan documents, business records and other documents can help show what assets and debts exist and give a clearer picture of the marital estate.
Concealed assets can have serious consequences
One spouse cannot use their financial control to unfairly benefit themselves at the expense of the other during a divorce. If your spouse takes advantage of their control over the family finances to hide assets, transfer community property or withhold financial information, you may have legal recourse. The court may award you a share of the affected community property and, in some circumstances, the ensuing attorney’s fees and costs.It’s worth noting that financial control does not mean that your spouse has done anything wrong. What matters is whether they have used that control to withhold information, conceal assets or interfere with your financial rights during the divorce. If you have any questions or concerns, qualified legal guidance can help you review the situation and determine what may need further attention.]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[Why discreet divorce counsel is best for the most visible clients]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=545802026-09-04T12:06:17Z2026-09-04T12:06:17ZQuality 1: The currency of discretion
For a public figure, a leaked document or a courthouse appearance swarmed by paparazzi can cause more harm than the settlement itself. Many reliable firms use private judging, strong nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and careful filing to keep sensitive details out of the tabloids.
Quality 2: Mastery of high-asset complexity
Celebrity divorces are not only about famous names. They also involve valuing and dividing complex finances. It is wise for high-earning individuals to look for legal firms that have the following practice areas:
Business valuations and intellectual property
Royalties, residuals and delayed compensation
Real estate holdings in multiple locations
When weighing options, it is better to prioritize a lawyer’s experience over their fame. A well-known lawyer may not necessarily understand California’s community property nuances for high-net-worth individuals.
Quality 3: Peer-recognized excellence
Local Los Angeles legal awards carry real weight because they reflect the opinions of peers and judges who see a lawyer’s performance behind the scenes, including:
Super Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America
Top 100 lists
These honors reflect the respect of those who understand a lawyer’s advocacy, preparation and judgment. A strong reputation with Los Angeles Superior Court judges also matters because they can fairly assess a lawyer’s credibility, behavior in court and performance in real cases. This kind of respect says more about a lawyer’s abilities than visibility with a news producer.
Quality 4: The settlement-first philosophy
The best attorneys for a public figure aim to resolve matters through mediation or private collaborative law. A negotiator who values open discussion and compromise can often secure a better lifestyle after a divorce than a litigator who focuses on fighting.
Choosing substance over style
When ending your marriage becomes public, the lawyer you choose can affect both the result and your next steps. An experienced divorce attorney can guide you through the process while protecting your assets and reputation. Picking the right lawyer also means finding someone who respects your privacy and supports your peace of mind.
[author] [author_image timthumb='on']/wp-content/uploads/sites/1405191/2026/09/molm-author.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]The award-winning attorneys at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] are among the top-rated divorce lawyers in Los Angeles. They provide legal counsel to high-profile clients throughout California. For a confidential consultation, call [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"].[/author_info] [/author]]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[Thinking of spying on your spouse? Think again]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=545642026-08-31T20:48:08Z2026-08-31T20:48:08Zyou. That would only be counterproductive in your divorce.
Marriage doesn’t provide unlimited permission to monitor your spouse
Contrary to popular belief, spouses don’t give up all their rights to privacy with each other once they say, “I do.” California is a two-party consent state, meaning that you cannot record someone’s private conversations or phone calls without their consent. You can face criminal charges if you do. Video surveillance, without audio, can be equally problematic. If you hide cameras where your spouse has a reasonable expectation of privacy, that can also be a violation of the law.
Accessing your spouse’s phone, laptop or tablet without their knowledge or specific permission is no better. Knowing your spouse’s password (or knowing enough to guess it) doesn’t give you the right to access their electronic devices. Even if they gave you consent in the past to access their email or files, that doesn’t mean you have blanket permission to access those accounts in the present.
You need information to proceed with your divorce. However, illegally obtained information may be unusable in court and expose you to civil liability – or even criminal charges. Before recording or tracking your spouse or accessing their electronic devices, it is important to understand where “investigation” becomes a legal liability. An experienced attorney can guide you and discuss alternatives that will be legally sound.]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[Should you consider a private judge for your divorce?]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=545372026-08-15T20:20:17Z2026-08-15T20:20:17ZCode of Civil Procedure - CCP § 638 allows divorcing spouses, upon agreement, to hire a private “referee” (usually referred to as a private judge) to preside over their case. Typically, this is a retired judge with extensive experience in family legal matters. Once approved by the court, the private judge can hear evidence, decide disputed issues and issue enforceable rulings.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a private judge?
One of the top benefits of a private judge is that couples get more control over the timeline of their divorce. Instead of fitting into the court’s crowded schedule, the parties may be able to schedule their hearings quickly and conveniently. When one or both spouses have busy careers and a lot of obligations, that can be a huge relief.
Another advantage is that private judges have the time to become deeply familiar with the details of the case, and that can allow them to make well-considered and nuanced decisions that are tailored to the unique family situation. That can be very helpful when the divorce involves difficult custody issues, disputed income, business valuations and substantial property issues.
Finally, there is more privacy. While the final decrees and filings with the court generally remain public, the exact proceedings are removed from the public courtroom. That can minimize potential reputational damage, in some cases, as sensitive family issues are worked out.
The only major drawback to a private judge is the extra cost. In addition to paying attorney fees and other expenses, the couple must pay for the private judge’s time. That is not an insignificant expense, so couples may have to negotiate to determine whether the bill will be divided (and how).
It’s also important to remember that a private judge’s decisions are binding, and it isn’t easy to change your mind and go back to the regular courtroom without good cause. Before agreeing to use a private judge, it is wisest to seek the guidance of a skilled divorce attorney. They can help you consider the pros and cons of that path.]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[When family law requires more than a standard legal approach]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=545352026-08-14T05:51:35Z2026-08-14T05:51:35ZMost family law cases follow a predictable path: file the petition, exchange disclosures, negotiate terms, finalize the order. Statutes and court forms handle the routine work well, but not every case is routine. Hidden assets, high-conflict custody disputes and safety concerns don't respond to a standard playbook. Cases like these don't fit the standard timeline, and the standard approach can fall short when they don't.
The law sets the floor, not the ceiling
State statutes define property division, custody factors and support formulas. These rules bring consistency, but they don't account for a business that needs valuation, a child with special needs or a spouse who hid assets for years. Any competent attorney applies the law, but a good one knows when the law alone won't get a fair result.
Emotions shape strategy as much as facts do
Family law disputes rarely stay purely legal. Anger, grief and fear shape how clients negotiate, testify and make decisions under pressure. A lawyer who ignores this risks a client who torpedoes a fair settlement out of spite, or caves on bad terms just to end the fight. Reading these signals changes how attorneys pace negotiations and time hard conversations.
Children need protection that outlasts the case
Custody arrangements shape a child's daily life long after the judge signs off. Attorneys who think past the courtroom build parenting plans that anticipate school changes, moves and shifting family dynamics. They also know when to bring in child psychologists or guardians ad litem, not just legal argument.
Complex assets call for outside expertise
High-net-worth divorces, business ownership and hidden income call for forensic accountants, appraisers and financial analysts. Standard discovery doesn't always surface the full financial picture. Attorneys with a network of specialists catch discrepancies a generalist would miss.
Every case carries its own risk
Domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health crises change everything. These situations call for safety planning, emergency orders and coordination with law enforcement or social services. Templates and standard timelines don't hold up when someone's safety is on the line.
The bottom line
A checklist works fine for a simple, uncontested case. It falls short once the stakes get real. Clients facing genuine complexity need attorneys who pair legal knowledge with outside expertise and real attention to the people involved. That combination, more than any statute, decides whether a hard case ends fairly or drags into a mess.]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[What happens if my spouse ignores the divorce papers in California?]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=545312026-07-31T07:57:49Z2026-07-31T07:57:49ZThe 30-day limit
In California, your spouse cannot block or stall a divorce by choosing to ignore paperwork. Instead, the law moves forward without them through a process known as a true default divorce. Once your spouse is properly served with the initial summons and petition, California law gives them 30 calendar days to file a formal response. If day 31 arrives and they haven't submitted paperwork to the court, you have the legal right to ask the judge to enter a default.
How does true default work?
By ignoring these papers, your spouse gives up their right to have a say in court regarding property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child custody and support. When you submit a default judgment:
You submit your financial disclosure: Even if your spouse refuses to cooperate, you should submit your financial statements to the court.
You submit your proposed orders: The judge reviews your request based on what you originally checked off in your initial petition.
The judge signs off: As long as your request aligns with state law and matches your petition, the court will typically grant them.
While a default prevents your spouse from dragging out litigation, it doesn’t bypass California’s mandatory six-month waiting period. Your marriage cannot officially terminate until six months and one day have passed from the date your spouse was originally served.
Your path to freedom
Silence shouldn’t pause your freedom. Even if your spouse refuses to respond, you could still gain independence and protect your legal rights. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney could help you handle your divorce and secure a final divorce decree.]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[Splitting a 401(k) during divorce without penalties]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=545282026-07-18T20:17:39Z2026-07-18T20:17:39ZEarly withdrawals are costly
There are rules in place intended to deter people from pulling funds out of a retirement account. Any funds pulled from a 401(k) before retirement age increase the person's taxable income for the year and can leave them with a balance due when they file their annual return. Additionally, it is standard practice to impose a 10% penalty based on the amount withdrawn.
Divorcing couples can have a lawyer draft a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) when the final property decision order requires the division of a tax-deferred retirement savings account or a pension. When properly executed, a QDRO facilitates a penalty-free 401(k) split.
People concerned about preserving their retirement resources often need help as they begin property division negotiations. Working with an attorney familiar with the challenges of high-asset divorces can make it easier for people to preserve their most important resources.]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[When can a child custody agreement be changed?]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=544302026-07-08T03:34:02Z2026-07-08T03:34:02ZParents can receive child custody after a divorce. Child custody determines which parent has legal and physical rights to their child. In many child custody cases, both parents share custody of their child. However, there may be times when a child custody arrangement needs to be altered.
To alter a child custody arrangement, parents may need to prove to a judge that there are substantial changes in circumstances. Here is what you should know:
Proving substantial changes in circumstances to a judge
Substantial changes in circumstances mean that something in a parent’s or child’s life has changed and is impacting their child’s best interests.
Relocation: Moving to another city, state or country is often considered a substantial change in circumstance. If a parent relocates, this could mean that parents have to travel more to see their child. As a result, parents may need to alter how much time they spend with their child.
Health issues: If a parent develops a serious health issue, it could impact their ability to care for their child. A custody arrangement may need to be altered around a parent’s health issues.
Endangerment: A judge may alter a child custody agreement if there is evidence that a child is in danger around a parent. For example, a child may be in danger of abuse or neglect.
Special needs: A child may require additional attention because of their special needs. Parents may request a child custody arrangement to meet their child’s special needs care.
If there is enough evidence showing substantial changes in circumstances, then a judge may approve a child custody agreement alteration. Professional legal guidance can help parents alter a child custody arrangement. ]]>On Behalf of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP<![CDATA[Is keeping the house in a divorce a worthwhile goal?]]>https://www.molmfamlaw.com/?p=544262026-06-24T15:42:30Z2026-06-24T15:42:30ZHomes are among the most valuable assets the average person owns. Naturally, they tend to become a big topic when couples divorce. One or both parties may decide that they want to keep the property.
But is that always wise to make keeping the house a goal? Maybe not.
You could end up “house poor”
The rule in California is for community property to be split equally, so if your total marital estate is worth one million, and your house is worth half a million, keeping it would mean your spouse would get everything else. As great as a house is to have, savings, investments and other assets are also useful. You need to consider how much of an advantage or disadvantage it will be to have all of your assets tied up in the property once the divorce is over.
You may not be able to afford it
If the house still has a mortgage (and it probably does), you’ll have to refinance it into your own name to keep it after the divorce. Unfortunately, this might not even be possible, as lenders may not feel that one person has enough income to pay a mortgage previously covered by two incomes, especially if the spouse ceding the house is the biggest earner.Then there are the ongoing costs, such as bills and property taxes, and the irregular ones, such as repairs to consider. You have to consider all of the costs associated with homeownership and determine if you can handle them on one income.
You could end up unable to move on
Keeping a house can sometimes make it harder to move on with your life after a divorce. Staying where you are constantly reminded of the life you had may become emotionally difficult. If you decide shortly after the divorce that you need to relocate, you may have trouble selling it as quickly as you want. Keeping the family home indeed has its benefits. Sometimes, it can help you keep life stable for your children or allow you to remain where you are comfortable and surrounded by a solid support network. However, it’s always wisest to step back, look at the potential negatives and take a dispassionate approach to the issue before you proceed.As you can see, there is a lot to consider when thinking about what happens to your house in your divorce. Legal guidance can give you some fact-based information on a matter that can be highly emotional.]]>