These days, more and more people have jumped on the self-employment bandwagon in order to gain increased financial freedom. Some see this as a response to stagnating wages that don’t keep up with inflation, while others consider this as a byproduct of the internet, which has enabled people to conduct business from just about anywhere.

Whatever the case may be, the thing to remember is that self-employment can impact your divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and other family law matters in California. This blog post provides a brief rundown of how this works, serving as a guide for self-employed individuals currently involved with any of these types of issues.  

Child Custody and Self Employment

Those who work for themselves or run their own company often have to deal with long and unpredictable hours. Unfortunately, this can prove to be a disadvantage as child custody proceedings are lengthy affairs which demand multiple court dates and various other appointments. Not only that, but a contentious ex-spouse could try and use your busy schedule against you in an attempt to tip the scales towards his/her favor.

Thankfully, the courts want to maintain a sense of stability and encourage a healthy relationship with both parents above all. Thus, self-employment is not necessarily a nail in the coffin when it comes to child custody proceedings. However, every case is different and outcomes can vary significantly, which is why you should consult with a family law attorney before taking any steps or moving forward with your proceedings.

Divorce Proceedings and Self Employment

Those who run their own business and self-employed individuals need to take extra steps and ensure that their assets are protected at all costs. Before moving forward with your divorce proceedings, take time to collect and categorize all important financial documents, review all assets and bank accounts, and consider the actions that your ex-spouse might take. For example, your ex-spouse will almost certainly try to claim half the business if he/she helped build the business in any capacity. Do not neglect professional advice, especially when it comes to complex assets, and consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide you with more in-depth advice.

Talk to a Skilled Family Law Attorney in California

We hope the information here has shed light on various issues that self-employed individuals need to be aware of when navigating their family law issues in California. If you want more information, or to speak to a skilled family law attorney in California, know that you can always reach out to us at the White Oak Law. We offer initial consultations, so don’t hesitate to call at your earliest convenience.