Kern County Family Law Blog

Protecting your time and relationship with your child

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in blog on Monday, March 5, 2018.

As a parent, you know that the time you spend with your child is some of the most precious time you have. Unfortunately, in a co-parenting situation, respecting each other's parenting rights and preferences is often very difficult. Many parents find that the first year of living under a custody order is very difficult, and few parents manage to follow the guidelines of the order perfectly. This is normal, and it is often wise to give each other grace when conflicts arise, for the sake of your ongoing relationship with the other parent, and for the child that you both love.

But, some parents engage in truly unacceptable behavior and actually violates the parental rights of the other party, which may come with legal consequences. If you believe that your child's other parent violated your rights, don't hesitate to consider the legal options you may use in response. An experienced attorney is a strong resource you can use to understand your legal options and examine your circumstances to keep your rights secure.

What will happen to my retirement savings in my divorce?

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in blog on Thursday, November 30, 2017.

Every couple who has been married for a long time will have a different situation as it applies to their retirement savings. In some cases, the couple will not have any retirement savings at all. In other cases, both spouses will have their separate IRA, 401(k) and investment accounts. In still other cases, one spouse will have the IRA or 401(k) in his or her name, and the spouses will share several other investment accounts in their joint names.

Regardless, if you or your spouse have retirement savings held in any investment account, the task of dividing these assets can be complicated.

Keep your children safe and healthy through your divorce

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in blog on Thursday, August 31, 2017.

Do you know that it is time to file for divorce, but worry that the strain of the divorce process will harm your children? On the other hand, if you don't bring an end to your marriage, the toxicity of that relationship may hurt your children as much or more than a divorce.

This dilemma paralyzes many parents who love their children very much and don't know how to end their marriage while protecting their children from the unavoidable hurt of the process.

Don’t get hung up on material roadblocks to divorce

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in blog on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.

When you and your spouse begin the divorce process, it is easy for the experience to overwhelm you. Few experiences carry such a visceral emotional weight and also such potentially serious material and financial consequences.

It is important to find legal representation that understands what you truly need when you enter into a divorce. Some spouses want to use the divorce as an opportunity to punish their partner for their own hurts and disappointments, and seek legal guidance that seeks the same.

5 key points for moms regarding child custody schedules

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in Child Custody on Thursday, March 9, 2017.

Vacations and fun activities abound when your children are still young enough to enjoy doing things. Mothers who have child custody orders governing how their children spend their time must ensure that plans fall in line with the orders. The key here is to plan ahead for all vacations and special events.

4 things that can prevent divorcing parents from moving on

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in Divorce on Monday, December 12, 2016.

When you and your spouse got divorced, you probably said that you wanted to move on. Maybe you smiled and said it to your parents or maybe you shook your head and said it over a drink with your friends. You knew it was crucial for you to move forward and that's what you wanted.

Now, though, you feel like you're not moving forward at all. Your divorce is miring you down. What could be holding you back?

What do kids need from parents during divorce?

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in Child Custody on Friday, September 9, 2016.

The divorce process is a highly emotional time. When children are involved, the emotion meter escalates tenfold, with parents left wondering how to meet both their own needs and those of their children. And, regardless of their age, children contemplate whether they played a role in the divorce and often feel the need to choose one parent over the other.

While there is no avoiding the swaying emotions, you can alleviate some of the pain your children are experiencing. Helping your kids maneuver the feelings brought on by divorce means providing stability in the home and putting the children's' needs ahead of your own. The process won't come without some bumps in the road, but these tips can help you and your children cope with these life changes.

5 Divorce tips from a military veteran

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in Military Divorce on Thursday, June 23, 2016.

Divorce is never an easy process. For members of the military, due to the nature of their service and compensation, ending a marriage can be especially challenging. Family law attorney Michael L. Seidman understands the nuances of military divorce from multiple perspectives. He is not only a knowledgeable lawyer - he is also a veteran. Michael offers the following tips for military service members embarking on divorce:

4 summer planning tips for divorced parents

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in Child Custody on Monday, April 18, 2016.

For many parents, the summer months are ideal for spending quality time with their kids. If work permits, it's often the best time for the family to take a trip. For divorced or separated parents, though, it can sometimes turn out to be a stressful time for both the co-parents and the children. Fortunately, there are steps both adults can take to minimize frustration and conflict and to ensure a great summer for everyone.

Divorce: Is it the answer?

On behalf of Law Office of Michael L. Seidman posted in Divorce on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.

Do you want a divorce, but you're not sure if it's the right decision? Does your partner want a divorce, leaving you feeling powerless? Or, do you only want a divorce because your marriage isn't working? According to Bruce Derman, licensed clinical psychologist, and Wendy Gregson, LMFT, most people facing divorce fall into one of these three categories.