--- title: Cage & Miles Blog | Family Law | Legal Process description: Legal Process | 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 ## [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) ## [Navigating the California Cost: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Future](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/navigating-the-california-cost-a-guide-to-taking-control-of-your-future) May 15, 2024 Divorce. It's a word that evokes a range of emotions: sadness, anger, fear, and uncertainty. If you're facing ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/navigating-the-california-cost-a-guide-to-taking-control-of-your-future) ## [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) ## [How Is Custody In San Diego County Unique?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-is-custody-in-san-diego-county-unique) March 30, 2023 Whether you are in the middle of a child custody proceeding or thinking of filing a motion for custody in San ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/how-is-custody-in-san-diego-county-unique) ## [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-) ## [How the Military Divorce Process Differs from Civilian Divorce](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/october/how-the-military-divorce-process-differs-from-ci) October 02, 2020 The U.S. military has staggering rules and regulations their active duty service members must follow, and ther... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/october/how-the-military-divorce-process-differs-from-ci) ## [Should I Be Offended by a Prenup?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/october/should-i-be-offended-by-a-prenup-) October 02, 2020 Marriage is supposed to be the union of two people based on love and trust. So when your fiancé comes up with ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2020/october/should-i-be-offended-by-a-prenup-) ## [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) ## [Are Gifts Separate Property?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/september/are-gifts-separate-property-) September 10, 2019 You may have heard that because California is a Community Property state, marital property–or property earned ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/september/are-gifts-separate-property-) ## [License Suspensions for Past-Due Child Support in California](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/july/license-suspensions-for-past-due-child-support-i) July 24, 2019 Child support is a common issue that arises between parents in paternity, legal separation, or dissolution of ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/july/license-suspensions-for-past-due-child-support-i) ## [Do You Have to Pay Alimony if Your Spouse Cheats?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/june/does-cheating-impact-spousal-support-in-a-ca-div) June 12, 2019 Two of the biggest causes of divorce are adultery and financial problems. Because adultery is so frowned upon ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2019/june/does-cheating-impact-spousal-support-in-a-ca-div) ## [Will My 401k Plan be at Risk in a Divorce?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/september/will-my-401k-plan-be-at-risk-in-a-divorce-) September 13, 2018 Everyone knows that assets and property end up on the chopping block in a divorce. However, you might be unsur... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/september/will-my-401k-plan-be-at-risk-in-a-divorce-) ## [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) ## [Enforcing Discovery in a Divorce Case](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/enforcing-discovery-in-a-divorce-case) May 12, 2018 Discovery is the term used to describe the various ways through which family law litigants seek out relevant a... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/may/enforcing-discovery-in-a-divorce-case) ## [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) ## [Motion to Set Aside Judgment](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/january/setting-aside-judgments) January 24, 2018 In family law cases, it is common for spouses to come to an agreement about the issues in their divorce case, ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2018/january/setting-aside-judgments) ## [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-) ## [What is a Transmutation Agreement?](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/august/what-is-a-transmutation-agreement-) August 25, 2016 California is a community property state. This means that “all property, real or personal, wherever situated, ... [Learn More](https://cageandmiles-8398187.hs-sites.com/blog/2016/august/what-is-a-transmutation-agreement-) ## [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-) ## [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)