With Your Family in Mind

 In long-term marriages, unless the parties agree otherwise, the court retains jurisdiction over the issue of spousal support. In most cases, by the time retirement comes around, there is a fixed amount of support ordered. Seldom do we see a clause in a dissolution judgment that steps down or...

 Have you ever thought of becoming a foster parent or wanted to adopt a child in need of permanency? Koinonia Family Services is now serving the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys, and is looking for families who want to provide safe, caring, and nurturing homes for children who are in need...

The arrival of autumn marks an important time of year for those who have been affected in some way by Alzheimer’s Disease: this is the season where caregivers, family members, senior living communities, spouses and those with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis all come together to help raise important...

 The health care system is “rigged” against our elderly population.  Seniors often can’t get the care they need, can’t find the right care or afford it, are stonewalled by their medical insurance, and are routinely given wrong information by hospitals and care facilities. Family members cannot...

 While more and more women are keeping their last names than ever before, many did change their last names. After years of practicing we have heard many reasons for and against keeping their married, last name. Some might consider this a small item to consider, but for women it is a bigger...

It might be shocking to learn, but the truth is that there are a variety of dangers lurking in most seniors’ estate plans. Some potential issues are relatively benign, while others are extremely costly and time consuming to fix - if they can be fixed at all. Unfortunately, the three most...

 Have you ever thought of becoming a foster parent or wanted to adopt a child in need of permanency? Koinonia Family Services is now serving the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys, and is looking for families who want to provide safe, caring, and nurturing homes for children who are in need...

 A number of months back I wrote an article on the topic of winning a legal matter against all odds. At the time that article was written, we had not actually won.  The case involved a bitter custody dispute and we had received a very positive evaluation from the custody evaluator.  Mom wanted...

 Is your young child a picky eater?  If so, you aren’t alone.  At this age, children are trying to be more independent which may result in them asserting themselves more and refusing to eat certain foods or not at all.  Rest assured this is a normal part of your child’s development.  Here are...

 A group of Santa Clarita community members and local business owners including Abi Caruthers of L.O.V.E Weight Loss, Doug Sutton of The Santa Clarita Gazette and Nola Aronson of Advanced Audiology have formed a new organization called The Santa Clarita Valley Alzheimer’s Awareness Project. ...

 The discussion of senior care with aging parents and close relatives is a difficult conversation to have. It can be uncomfortable for all parties involved, but it is necessary to ensure the well being of a loved one as they grow older. There are a host of factors to consider when beginning...

 That sweet time where late summer and early fall meet is upon us: Sunny days are beginning to be touched by cooler breezes and it is becoming a bit more comfortable to be outside for longer periods of time. This is a wonderful time to enjoy nature and spend time taking in the great outdoors....

We’re all downsizing today! The tiny house phenomena is sweeping the nation. A magical bestseller tells us to pare down to the joy-giving essentials. I believe we should do the same with our thinking. There are five ideas - disabling ideas - that we could stand to discard. They promise success,...

Mom and Dad had a revocable living trust, prepared many years ago by an experienced attorney. At that time, it was fully funded: their house and financial accounts had been re-titled to Mom and Dad as trustees of their Trust. Recently Mom and Dad died (on different days) as the result of...

Power: The ability to act or produce an effect; the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. Merriam-Webster.Com Power is a factor in every relationship. The relationship is affected by how it is distributed, balanced and expressed. Imbalances,...

 Since publication of the Home Care Final Rule, the Department of Labor has led an unprecedented implementation program to engage stakeholders and to help employers prepare for compliance. In this process, stakeholder questions indicated a need for additional guidance to help consumers and...

 Family law is known for its highly stressful, emotionally charged and often toxic human dramas that unfold. Indeed, it is an arena often fraught with hostile feelings and difficult behaviors. And yet, in the midst of the drama, there are often children.  Issues such as custody, scheduling and...

 In California, we have a somewhat similar misconception that becoming 18 or graduating from high school ends all burdens and risks related to child support. There are several circumstances where this is not the case. First, the child support law of California states “(a) The duty of support...