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            Divorcing couples in California struggle with the Shakespearean query:  "To be or not to be"; in modern terms: “To mediate or not to mediate.” Mediation, like any legal process, comes with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Making the decision of whether to mediate a divorce is often nuanced and should be guided by your unique circumstances, goals, and relationship dynamics. Note: this article addresses voluntary, private mediation and not court-ordered mediation. What is Mediation:             In [...]

            We often advise both homeowners associations (HOAs) and individual homeowners on the financial risks and high costs involved in legal disputes. It's rare, however, to see an HOA awarded a significant sum like $48,000 in attorney's fees simply because the homeowner decided to drop their case against the HOA.             This is precisely what happened in the recent California case of Haidet v. Del Mar Woods Homeowners Association (2024). This case serves as a crucial reminder of the procedural [...]

DISCLAIMER: This article is not a substitute for professional legal advice.  This article does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice.             Some fear that moving out of the marital home may put them at a disadvantage in the division of marital property. However, physical possession of the house during divorce proceedings does not determine who ultimately receives it. Ownership of the home and who keeps the home are determined by several factors such as whether the home [...]