For better or for worse, social media is deeply embedded in our lives. Chances are that you or your loved ones regular share content and post on prominent sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. While these avenues have provided us with great ways to connect with one another, we’ve also found that they have opened a new can of worms within the context of divorce and child custody proceedings and disputes.

At the White Oak Law, we always strive for mutually beneficial resolutions as they tend to be the most productive strategies for a variety of reasons, something that science seems to agree with. In 2017, Stockholm University’s Demographic Unit conducted a study where they examined the effects of single parent custody and joint custody on children’s overall well-being. The results were significant, if a bit predictable.

A fairly common process for those going through a divorce or child custody dispute, child custody evaluations are designed to ensure that the needs of a child are being fully met. That said, these evaluations are often set in motion via child custody disputes, which can make them rather never-wracking affairs. To help provide some insight, we’ve written up a brief overview of what child custody evaluations consist of, as well as what to expect when undergoing an evaluation.

Divorce is never an easy affair. It is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally-draining. However, if you and your partner are not completely opposed to discussing logistics and entering civil negotiations, mediation can often provide much needed relief.

Divorces where ex-partners are simply unwilling to negotiate do occur. However, we’ve found that in most cases, there is quite a bit of wiggle room and even resentful couples are sometimes able to come to mutually-exclusive agreements in a variety of matters. The reason for this is simple: it makes more sense for separated spouses to work with each other and formulate solutions on their own terms, rather than relying on the courts to hand down a rigid, inflexible ruling.

One of the most challenging aspects of a divorce is the financial impact it has on your life. As you separate finances from your soon to be ex-spouse, you need to be prepared for the upcoming potential conflicts involving asset division, as well as ensure that you can cover your expenses once you’re on your own. We’ve compiled a set of critical tips to keep in mind as you move forward with the divorce process in California.