As someone who helps clients navigate California civil courts daily, I often explain how tentative rulings work, especially in Orange County Superior Court, where this system saves time, money, and stress for everyone involved. Understanding how to read and respond to a tentative ruling can completely change the outcome of your hearing. What Tentative Rulings…
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Quick clarity before we start In California family law there are two different proof forms that people mix up all the time. In my practice, I see this error weekly, and it can stall a case for months. If you remember nothing else, remember this pairing: Summons = FL-115. Mail service for later filings =…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) When I first meet someone trying to handle their case without a lawyer, I often hear the same thing: “I’m overwhelmed and I don’t know where to start.” The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Shasta County…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) When parents ask me about “fifty–fifty,” what they really want is simple: a fair schedule that keeps both parents meaningfully involved and keeps the child steady and safe. In California, equal time is possible, but it works best when you understand how judges…
Continue reading ›I spend a lot of time inside California family law, reading files, sitting in courtrooms, and helping clients make sense of what’s next. One thing I remind folks right away: our divorce story in California isn’t what most people think. Yes, divorces happen every day from Los Angeles to San Francisco to San Diego. But…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Introduction (why this matters) When I review DUI files, the same two surprises come up again and again: how quickly a driver can cross California’s legal alcohol limit, and how much procedure matters in these cases. A perfectly fixable error (bad calibration, broken…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Introduction to Domestic Violence Domestic violence affects individuals and families across California every day. It can take many forms, physical abuse, emotional manipulation, intimidation, stalking, or financial control, and it often leaves lasting emotional and psychological effects. If you or someone you know…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Understanding Domestic Violence Law and Your Rights Domestic violence impacts countless individuals and families across California. For many survivors, abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial, and often becomes an ongoing cycle that shapes their daily lives. Recognizing domestic…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – U.S. Legal Secretary, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) 1. Introduction to Child Custody and Visitation Child custody and visitation are at the heart of many family law cases in California. Having worked on these cases myself, I can say that the court’s primary focus is always the best interests of…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – U.S. Legal Secretary, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Introduction: Why This Matters Divorce in California is never just a breakup; it’s a structured legal process that ends a marriage and reshapes lives. In my work as a legal secretary, I’ve seen that confusion often begins with the paperwork. Clients regularly…
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