Dinnebier & Demmerle Results - Oriented Family Law Representation 2026-07-18T21:52:17Z https://www.dd-familylaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1201447/2021/04/cropped-dinnebier-demmerle-site-icon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[How can I protect my inheritance before marriage?]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48171 2026-07-18T21:52:17Z 2026-07-18T21:52:17Z Why should I keep my inheritance separate? Commingling occurs when separate funds mix with marital money. For instance, depositing inherited cash into a joint account and using it for household expenses may make it harder to trace the funds. You can reduce that risk by keeping the inheritance in an account held solely in your name. Avoid depositing marital earnings into that account. You should also preserve:
  • Estate documents
  • Account statements
  • Property records
  • Other materials showing when and how you received the assets
You may choose to use inherited money for your family while keeping it separate. However, before transferring the funds or changing an asset’s title, consider how the decision could affect its separate-property status.

Can using my inheritance to support my business create problems?

Yes. Using inherited money to fund your business may blur the line between separate and marital property. The issue can become more complicated if your spouse later works for the company, contributes money or helps increase its value. Your business may require its own protection plan, so consider obtaining a professional valuation before marriage. This creates a record of the company's value before the wedding. Taking protective measures before marriage can help you preserve assets while creating clear expectations for your future together. A legal professional can help you create a plan that protects your inheritance without treating your marriage like a business transaction.]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[How co-parents can prepare for a new school year]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48170 2026-07-11T17:29:34Z 2026-07-11T16:21:34Z The start of a new school year can expose every weak spot in a co-parenting routine as pickup times change, activity calendars fill up and one missed message leaves your child without supplies or transportation. For families across Orange County, planning before the first day can reduce conflict and give children a steadier start.

Review your custody schedule and the school calendar

Once the school posts its calendar, compare it with your parenting-time schedule. Look for the spots that cause friction, such as early-release days, teacher workdays, holidays and long breaks, then decide who will cover each one. If the custody and visitation schedule you built around summer no longer fits the school week, discuss an adjustment. If you need the court to change an existing order, you generally must explain what has changed and why the requested schedule serves your child's best interest.

Understand your access to school records

California law provides both custodial and noncustodial parents with a right to access their child’s school records unless a specific court order explicitly revokes that right. You may request report cards, attendance records and an individualized education program directly from the school. Access to records does not automatically grant authority to make educational decisions. Your legal custody order controls that issue.

Set up communication that works

Decide how you will share information about grades, events and problems as they come up. A shared calendar, co-parenting app or standing email thread can keep both households on the same page. Good co-parenting communication helps both households coordinate school activities and stay informed when the child is away. Assign responsibility for permission slips and conferences, then agree on how to handle sick days and early pickups. Teachers and front-office staff appreciate clear guidance, so let the school know how communication should flow.

Plan for extracurriculars and costs

Sports, music and clubs often mean added expenses and added driving. Talk through registration fees, transportation and how practices fit into each parent's time. Sorting this out before sign-ups open keeps your child from getting caught in the middle of a scheduling gap.

Give your child a steadier start

A school plan does not need to solve every disagreement. It should identify who handles each task, where information will go and how you will respond when plans change. Set aside one afternoon to review the calendar, budget and contact list together. That preparation gives your child more room to focus on classes, activities and friends instead of adult logistics.]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[The gender inequality of divorce ]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48169 2026-07-09T19:21:25Z 2026-07-09T19:21:25Z The effect of the unequal sharing of unpaid duties While some married couples share household duties equally and sometimes the man stays home while the woman goes to work, women as a whole take on a greater share of these unpaid duties. These can include caring for children or elderly relatives, as well as cooking and cleaning, among other things. The effect on post-divorce income is twofold. First, women may not have gone as far in their career (and therefore up the pay scale) while married, making earning an equivalent income to their ex-husband more difficult, even if they can now dedicate more hours to work. Second, women often retain a greater share of child-raising after the divorce. This can leave them unable to put in as many hours at work as their ex-husband can. The result is that women are at around twice the risk of being in poverty after they divorce. If this occurs, it won’t just affect them. It will affect any children they have, too. It shows why having experienced legal guidance to pursue an appropriate settlement is so important.]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[Adjusting custody orders when one parent always cancels]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48168 2026-06-23T23:22:39Z 2026-06-23T23:22:39Z custodial interference, where one parent prevents the other from having the full time they’re allowed to have with their child under the terms of their custody order Unfortunately, sometimes adults who share custody of children are not consistent about showing up for their children. They may cancel or regularly shorten their parenting sessions. The other parents affected by those regular cancelations may need to go back to court to ask for a modification that reflects the true division of parenting time.

Why modifications are important

Some people might convince themselves that modifying a custody order due to regular cancelations is petty or spiteful. However, the failure to follow the custody order causes multiple forms of harm. The children may feel disappointed and even rejected when one parent cancels. The other parent, meanwhile, cannot depend on the other parent taking responsibility for the children. They may encourage child care expenses or face career and social setbacks because of canceled parenting time. Traditionally, a custody order that does not accurately reflect the division of parenting time can deprive one parent of the child support they deserve. The amount of overnight time each parent has with the children influences financial responsibility for the children. Documenting canceled sessions, being flexible about makeup parenting time and pursuing a modification to correct a custody order are all appropriate reactions to canceled parenting sessions. Updating the custody order may be beneficial -- especially when canceling becomes a pattern. Those facing child custody complications may need help navigating the legal system and ensuring their custody order accurately reflects their family circumstances.]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[Custodial interference: An introduction]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48167 2026-06-15T14:00:07Z 2026-06-15T14:00:07Z custodial interference.

Refusing to make an exchange

One of the most obvious examples of custodial interference is when one parent refuses to turn over their child for the other parent’s designated time. Both parents are obligated to follow their child custody schedule at all times. Even if there is an external dispute, such as a disagreement over child support obligations or house rules that parents need to enforce, they generally cannot refuse to exchange custody.

Missing important deadlines

In other cases, even though a parent does not directly refuse to make an exchange, they consistently miss deadlines. They are always late for the exchanges. This can have a very negative impact on a child's life, and it certainly violates the other parent's custody rights because they have less time to spend with their child.

Issues with contact

Finally, custodial interference can sometimes involve how one parent contacts their child. A parent may try to unreasonably limit online contact or phone contact with the other parent. Or, even though the other parent has custody, they may show up unannounced and try to visit the child during that custody time.

Seeking a resolution

These are just three examples of many potential types of custody issues that could arise in re: custodial interference. Parents who find themselves in a conflict need to know what legal steps they can take. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to benefit from informed clarity.]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[Can a prenup waive spousal support?]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48166 2026-06-02T10:59:33Z 2026-06-02T10:59:33Z What does California law say about waiving spousal support? A spousal support waiver is only enforceable in California if specific conditions are met. The party giving up the right to spousal support must have independent legal representation at the time of signing. Without this separate representation, the waiver is unenforceable. Both parties must also sign the agreement voluntarily and fully understand what they’re agreeing to. The law also requires both sides to be completely honest about their finances before signing. This means you must share information about your income, assets and debts. Without full transparency, a court may later reject the waiver. California takes these requirements seriously to protect both parties.

Can a court override a spousal support waiver?

Even if a prenup looks perfect on paper, California courts can still refuse to enforce a spousal support waiver. If a judge determines the waiver is unconscionable at the time enforcement is sought, they may set it aside. Unconscionable means grossly unfair based on the circumstances at the time of divorce. What seemed fair when you signed the prenup may become unfair years later due to changed circumstances. A court can also reject the waiver if the prenup was signed under pressure or fraud.

Should you include a spousal support waiver in your prenup?

Deciding whether to waive spousal support requires careful thought about your financial future. Consider the earning potential of both parties. Think about whether one person plans to stay home to raise children. A spousal support waiver might make sense if both parties have stable careers and similar incomes. You should also plan for potential life changes. Career interruptions, health issues or caring for family members can affect financial stability. These factors may make spousal support important later. Understanding how a waiver impacts your long-term security is essential before you sign any prenuptial agreement.

Understanding your rights before you sign

Talking about prenups does not mean you doubt your relationship. It means you are being thoughtful about your future. Prenups also involve deeply personal financial decisions. If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, review both your current financial situation and potential future circumstances.]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[How co-parents can handle discipline]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48164 2026-06-02T07:23:44Z 2026-06-01T16:37:17Z Discipline is a crucial part of raising a child. It provides the routines and boundaries necessary to help them feel secure, develop responsibility, understand the consequences of their actions and build self-control. But how can parents handle discipline when raising a child in two homes? While discipline itself is generally the same whether you are raising a child under one roof or between two homes, how it’s executed can differ. Here is how co-parents can handle discipline:

Maintain consistency in the two homes

It helps if your child follows the same rules in both homes, because adapting to different expectations in each can be confusing. You and your co-parent should agree on bedtimes, chores, homework expectations, screen time limits, safety guidelines and appropriate language. Then, employ them in both homes. A unified front on core boundaries benefits your child and your co-parenting. You may not agree on everything, particularly if you have different parenting styles. However, it’s crucial to maintain consistency on core, non-negotiable boundaries.

Communicate

You should inform each other about a mistake your child makes. If they return home past their curfew, lie, get in trouble at school and so on, communicate it. This way, you can agree on a disciplinary action and ensure it’s observed in both homes.  For instance, if your child is grounded for two weeks while in your home, this should continue after the transition. Accordingly, they can understand that the consequences of their actions will remain effective regardless of which parent they are with. 

Don’t underestimate each other

If you disagree with a disciplinary action, for example, you don’t believe a mistake warrants grounding for two weeks, do not criticize your co-parent in front of the child. Discuss it privately to find common ground. The good cop/bad cop dynamic in co-parenting is never healthy. You and your co-parent can take certain steps to successfully raise a responsible child without either of you having to be “the bad guy” in the situation. ]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[Tips for keeping child custody exchanges peaceful]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48163 2026-06-02T07:26:41Z 2026-05-15T19:41:26Z Parents who are going through a divorce will have to determine how to handle parenting time. One of the major considerations for this is how they will exchange the children, which is often a challenging time.  The child custody exchange is one that might be stressful for the children because of conflicting emotions. They’re likely excited to see one parent but sad to leave the other parent. Another issue may be that they’re worried about their parents fighting during the exchange.  It’s up to the parents to find ways to reduce the stress that children feel on exchange days. These tips may be beneficial for those days. 

Prepare your child

Preparing your child is one of the most important steps. This can be done by reminding your child of the exchange or having a way for them to count down to the exchange. It may also be beneficial to help the child pack for the transfer. In some cases, it may be best to have duplicate items at both parents’ homes so the children don’t have to bring items back and forth. Of course, favorite items like lovies may travel with the child. 

Avoid contentious issues

Exchange days aren’t the time to discuss any contentious issues. Instead, those discussions should be done away from the child. Scheduling a time for a phone call or another form of communication is a suitable alternative to speaking about these matters when the children are around.  The parenting plan contains the guidelines for raising the children, so each of the terms must be based on the child’s needs. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial so you can get everything set up properly.   ]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[Should you stay off of social media during a divorce?]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48162 2026-06-02T07:25:59Z 2026-05-02T12:40:20Z Social media evidence in a divorce case The thing to remember is that what you post online can be used as part of your divorce case. There are certain ways in which it could impact the outcome. For one thing, social media posts could cause more conflict between you and your ex. You may feel the need to vent, but if your ex reads the post, it can make it harder to have an amicable divorce that goes smoothly. Additionally, social media posts can sometimes be used in child custody cases. You have to consider how they are going to reflect on you. For instance, if you are fighting for custody of your children, but your ex brings in a social media post where you are drinking with your friends instead of attending a child’s school event, they may try to use this to paint you in a negative light and claim that you are not a dedicated parent.

Navigating your divorce case

Staying off social media can make a divorce easier, but it is just one thing to consider as you go through the legal process. Be sure you know exactly what steps to take to protect your rights as you end your marriage. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to start.]]> On Behalf of Dinnebier & Demmerle <![CDATA[When “keeping it amicable” in a divorce stops working]]> https://www.dd-familylaw.com/?p=48161 2026-04-22T14:57:20Z 2026-04-22T14:57:20Z Some divorces may begin with good intentions; the relationship isn’t working out, but there's no reason to be hostile. Many couples hope to keep things respectful, minimize stress and move forward without unnecessary conflict. At first, that shared goal can make conversations easier, and decisions feel more manageable. But even the most cooperative situations can change as realities set in.

When cooperation gives way to conflict

Even when a divorce starts out amicable, it can still be deeply challenging. The financial strain, logistical complications and emotional weight of separating a shared life often become increasingly apparent as the process begins to unfold. An amicable divorce typically relies on open communication and a willingness to compromise. Early discussions may focus on broad agreements, with both parties motivated to avoid drawn-out disputes. However, as details become more specific, differences in priorities and expectations often emerge. One common trigger is financial splitting. What once seemed like a straightforward division of assets can quickly become more complicated when full disclosures are made. Retirement accounts, debts or future earning potential may shift the balance, leading one or both parties to reconsider earlier agreements. Additionally, decisions involving property or support can quickly become points of tension when the long-term impact is fully understood. Emotions also play a significant role. Even when both individuals enter the process calmly, underlying feelings, such as resentment, fear or uncertainty, can surface over time. Parenting arrangements are another frequent source of conflict. What begins as a flexible plan may become more rigid as each parent considers schedules, stability and the child’s evolving needs. When cooperation begins to falter, it doesn’t necessarily mean the process has failed; it often reflects the complexity of the decisions involved. If an amicable approach is starting to feel strained, it may be time to seek experienced legal guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.]]>