--- title: Cage & Miles Blog | Family Law | Family Law description: Family Law | Your go-to resource for the latest news, tips and insights in family law, divorce, trusts and estate planning, child custody and support, and bankruptcy. --- English # Cage & Miles Family Law Blog Your go-to resource for the latest news, tips and insights in family law, divorce, trusts and estate planning, child custody and support, and bankruptcy. ###### Sign up for family law insights: Filter by Tag - All - Divorce - Divorce Process - Family Law - Divorce Attorney - Child Custody - Legal Process - Child Support - Law Education - Child Custody Child Support - Property Division - Spousal Support - Child Custody Divorce - Domestic Violence - Military Divorce - Restraining Orders - Prenuptial Agreements - Trusts & Estate Planning - Contested Divorce - High-Net Worth Divorce - Military - Support Modifications - Guardianship - Mediation - Collaborative Law - Modifications - Bankruptcy - Wills - Appeals - Ex Parte - Grandparents - Paternity Actions - Retirement - Substance Abuse - restraining order renewal ## [Don’t Be Like Denise – Why It Is So Important to Disclose ALL Your Assets in CA Divorce](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/dont-be-like-denise-why-it-is-so-important-to-disclose-all-your-assets-in-ca-divorce) February 13, 2025 We get it – divorces are overwhelming. Emotions are at an all-time high, and the other party may not be cooper... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/dont-be-like-denise-why-it-is-so-important-to-disclose-all-your-assets-in-ca-divorce) ## [Enter Your Divorce One Step Ahead – Prepare Early for your PDOD!](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/enter-your-divorce-one-step-ahead-prepare-early-for-your-pdod) February 13, 2025 I’m assuming that if you clicked on this article, you are either contemplating divorce or are about to start g... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/enter-your-divorce-one-step-ahead-prepare-early-for-your-pdod) ## [PDODs and RFOs and MSAs, oh my! – Acronyms You Need to Know in Divorce Proceedings](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/pdods-and-rfos-and-msas-oh-my-acronyms-you-need-to-know-in-divorce-proceedings) February 13, 2025 Are you going through a divorce? If so, have you noticed that everything is an acronym? Divorces are stressful... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/pdods-and-rfos-and-msas-oh-my-acronyms-you-need-to-know-in-divorce-proceedings) ## [The Basics of Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples in California](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/the-basics-of-estate-planning-for-unmarried-couples-in-california) January 11, 2024 Estate planning is the process by which a person decides who will receive their property after death and who m... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/the-basics-of-estate-planning-for-unmarried-couples-in-california) ## [Post Child Support Agreement: Tips for Coparenting after Divorce](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/post-child-support-agreement-tips-for-coparenting-after-divorce) December 12, 2023 Shared parenting agreements can put a strain on parents. However, using these five easy tips for co-parenting ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/post-child-support-agreement-tips-for-coparenting-after-divorce) ## [Tips and Strategies for Mediation in High-Conflict Divorce Cases](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/tips-and-strategies-for-mediation-in-high-conflict-divorce-cases) December 12, 2023 A high-conflict divorce occurs when a couple is unable to see eye-to-eye at any given point in their divorce m... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/tips-and-strategies-for-mediation-in-high-conflict-divorce-cases) ## [Married to an Addict & Considering Divorce? Here’s How Substance Abuse Affects Divorce](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/married-to-an-addict-considering-divorce-heres-how-substance-abuse-affects-divorce) December 08, 2023 Substance use disorder refers to the use of illegal substances — such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine —... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/married-to-an-addict-considering-divorce-heres-how-substance-abuse-affects-divorce) ## [Divorce and the Holidays: Tips If You Are Waiting to Divorce Until After the New Year](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/divorce-and-the-holidays-tips-if-you-are-waiting-to-divorce-until-after-the-new-year) October 13, 2023 The holidays are a hectic time! In the past, the holidays were your favorite time of the year, and you cherish... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/divorce-and-the-holidays-tips-if-you-are-waiting-to-divorce-until-after-the-new-year) ## [Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner: Infidelity, Technology, and Divorce](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/joe-jonas-and-sophie-turner-infidelity-technology-and-divorce) September 12, 2023 Since 2006, Joe Jonas has been a household name as the lead singer of the pop-rock boy band, The Jonas Brother... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/joe-jonas-and-sophie-turner-infidelity-technology-and-divorce) ## [Which Type of Parenting Plan Works Best for my Family?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/which-type-of-parenting-plan-works-best-for-my-family) July 31, 2023 Divorce is hard. Going through a divorce with children is even harder, which is why it is important to have a ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/which-type-of-parenting-plan-works-best-for-my-family) ## [I Was Just Served with a Temporary Restraining Order—What Do I Do Now?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/i-was-just-served-with-a-temporary-restraining-order-what-do-i-do-now) July 26, 2023 You were approached by someone—a process server or a sheriff—and are handed a stack of paperwork saying that y... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/i-was-just-served-with-a-temporary-restraining-order-what-do-i-do-now) ## [Get to Know Conservatorship vs. Guardianship in California](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/get-to-know-conservatorship-vs-guardianship-in-california) July 21, 2023 In California, conservatorships and guardianships are two similar but different legal constructs. In both case... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/get-to-know-conservatorship-vs-guardianship-in-california) ## [Can Child Support Arrears Be Dismissed? Here’s the Deal...](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/can-child-support-arrears-be-dismissed) July 17, 2023 Under the laws of the State of California, a parent has the rights and responsibilities to provide for their m... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/can-child-support-arrears-be-dismissed) ## [How Do I Extend a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-do-i-extend-a-domestic-violence-restraining-order) July 12, 2023 You applied for and were granted a Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order against your spouse or signif... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-do-i-extend-a-domestic-violence-restraining-order) ## [How Much Child Support is Too Much? Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife Requests $248K per Month](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-much-child-support-is-too-much-kevin-costners-ex-wife-requests-248k-per-month) June 29, 2023 [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-much-child-support-is-too-much-kevin-costners-ex-wife-requests-248k-per-month) ## [How Cage & Miles Can Improve Your Tax Season](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-cage-miles-can-improve-your-tax-season) May 23, 2023 [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-cage-miles-can-improve-your-tax-season) ## [Can Text Messages Be Used in Divorce Court?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/october/can-text-messages-be-used-in-divorce-court-) October 15, 2020 In any divorce proceedings or other family law matter to be decided in a California court, evidence will need ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/october/can-text-messages-be-used-in-divorce-court-) ## [What Do I Do If My Spouse Wants to Date During Our Divorce?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/july/what-do-i-do-if-my-spouse-wants-to-date-during-o) July 06, 2020 Going through a divorce looks different for everyone. Whether you are happy about getting a divorce or wishing... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/july/what-do-i-do-if-my-spouse-wants-to-date-during-o) ## [U.S. Passport Denials for Past-Due Child Support](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/june/u-s-passport-denials-for-past-due-child-support) June 22, 2020 Many parents enjoy traveling, especially when doing so involves exploring a new country or traveling overseas.... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/june/u-s-passport-denials-for-past-due-child-support) ## [Child Custody Conflict? How the Courts Look at It](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/october/child-custody-conflict-how-the-courts-look-at-it) October 21, 2019 Child custody is a very important issue. It doesn’t matter if you’re legally separating, filing for divorce, o... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/october/child-custody-conflict-how-the-courts-look-at-it) ## [Understanding Why the Courts Prioritize the Primary Caregiver](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/october/understanding-why-the-courts-prioritize-the-prim) October 14, 2019 When a California family court judge makes child custody and visitation orders, they take many factors into ac... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/october/understanding-why-the-courts-prioritize-the-prim) ## [Cheating Spouses Leaving Digital Trails](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/august/cheating-spouses-leaving-digital-trails) August 23, 2019 Spouses can get divorced for an infinite number of reasons. A common reason often cited by divorcing couples i... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/august/cheating-spouses-leaving-digital-trails) ## [What to Expect in a Divorce Hearing](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/june/how-to-act-in-court-during-your-divorce-hearing) June 27, 2018 A divorce proceeding that has led to trial is the culmination of months—or perhaps years—of a hotly-contested ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/june/how-to-act-in-court-during-your-divorce-hearing) ## [When and How to Seek a Child's Input in a Custody Dispute](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/when-and-how-to-seek-a-childs-input-in-a-custody) May 24, 2018 A child custody battle can be a difficult time for the entire family. The last thing a parent wants to do is d... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/when-and-how-to-seek-a-childs-input-in-a-custody) ## [Termination of Spousal Support](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/termination-of-spousal-support) February 18, 2018 Spousal support orders are intended to support a non-earning or low-earning spouse for a certain amount of tim... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/termination-of-spousal-support) ## [Motion for Protective Order to Limit Discovery](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/february/protective-orders) February 07, 2018 During the course of a divorce case, it is common to perform legal investigation, which is also known as the "... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/february/protective-orders) ## [Do You Have to Give an Engagement Ring Back if the Wedding is Off?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/september/who-keeps-the-engagement-ring-) September 26, 2016 Engagements are a beautiful moment that couples in love will remember and cherish forever. Many couples that g... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/september/who-keeps-the-engagement-ring-) ## [What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/september/back-to-school-and-other-costs-for-children-who-) September 19, 2016 Under California Family Code section 4053, child support orders are calculated to cover all the costs of raisi... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/september/back-to-school-and-other-costs-for-children-who-) ## [Seeking Exclusive Possession of the Marital Home](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/september/seeking-exclusive-use-and-possession-of-marital-) September 08, 2016 The entire process for a divorce can take anywhere from six months to several years. After filing for a divorc... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/september/seeking-exclusive-use-and-possession-of-marital-) ## [Formal Discovery in Divorce Cases](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/formal-discovery-in-divorce-cases) May 09, 2016 Below is a summary of “formal” discovery procedures that may be utilized throughout the divorce process. Any o... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/formal-discovery-in-divorce-cases) ## [When is Out-of-State Property Characterized as Community Property?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/how-to-characterize-property-outside-of-californ) May 02, 2016 According to California community property law, California Family Code section 760, community property is, “al... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/how-to-characterize-property-outside-of-californ) ## [What is Family Court Services?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/april/what-is-family-court-services-) April 11, 2016 Family Court Services (FCS) mediation is an informal process required by the court for any parties that are di... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/april/what-is-family-court-services-) ## [Guardian ad Litem and Conservatorships in Family Law Cases](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/april/guardian-ad-litem-and-conservatorships-in-family) April 06, 2016 In addition to the more common ground of irreconcilable differences, the California family code provides that ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/april/guardian-ad-litem-and-conservatorships-in-family) ## [Handling Objections to Family Law Subpoenas](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/april/handling-objections-to-family-law-subpoenas) April 06, 2016 A common issue for many parents or parties seeking either child or spousal support is figuring out exactly how... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/april/handling-objections-to-family-law-subpoenas) ## [Attorney Liens: What is a FLARPL?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/march/attorney-liens-what-is-a-flarpl-) March 25, 2016 Attorneys in California are not permitted by the rules of ethics to accept contingent fee arrangements or a pe... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/march/attorney-liens-what-is-a-flarpl-) ## [Duty to Pay Child Support for Adult Children](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/duty-to-support-adult-children) February 23, 2016 In most cases, court-ordered child support automatically terminates when the child turns 18 years old unless t... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/duty-to-support-adult-children) ## [Setting Aside a Child Support Order from DCSS](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/setting-aside-a-child-support-order-from-dcss) February 17, 2016 Whenever a parent or child is receiving cash aid through a State of California government cash assistance (wel... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/setting-aside-a-child-support-order-from-dcss) ## [Divorce Decree Enforcement - Collecting Property or Support](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/collecting-property-or-support-on-a-divorce-judg) February 05, 2016 All divorces end with a final judgment from the family court, officially terminating the parties’ marital stat... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/february/collecting-property-or-support-on-a-divorce-judg) ## [When One Spouse Sells the Family Home During a Divorce](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2015/november/when-one-spouse-sells-the-family-home-during-a-d) November 10, 2015 Thinking about selling your home during a divorce in California? Whether you are filing for divorce or you jus... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2015/november/when-one-spouse-sells-the-family-home-during-a-d) ## [How to Respond to a Restraining Order](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2015/april/responding-to-a-restraining-order) April 18, 2015 Domestic violence restraining orders are not issued absent ugly accusations. When a party files for a restrain... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2015/april/responding-to-a-restraining-order)