Marriage Advice from a Divorce Lawyer of 20+ Years
Written By: Stephen L. Cawelti, CFLS Stephen is a board-certified divorce attorney who has handled complex family law matters in California since 2006. He earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School, holds a B.A. in Psychology and Child Development from USC, and has served as lead counsel in hundreds of cases across Southern California. […]
The Difference Between Divorce Cases That Settle and Those That Spiral
Written By: Stephen L. Cawelti, CFLS Stephen is a board-certified divorce attorney who has handled complex family law matters in California since 2006. He earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School, holds a B.A. in Psychology and Child Development from USC, and has served as lead counsel in hundreds of cases across Southern California. Divorce […]
3 Divorce Strategies I’ve Watched Backfire in Los Angeles Courtrooms
After 20 years of practicing family law in Los Angeles County, I’ve seen many different approaches to divorce. Some strategies help move cases toward resolution, while others consistently make the process longer, more expensive, and more emotionally taxing for everyone involved. What surprises many clients is that the strategies people feel most confident about are […]
What 20 Years as a Divorce Attorney Has Taught Me About Marriage and Divorce
After nearly twenty years practicing divorce and family law, I’ve had a front-row seat to one of the most difficult transitions people can go through. I’ve worked on hundreds of cases. Some resolved quietly through negotiation. Others unfolded in packed courtrooms after years of conflict. Every case is different, but certain patterns show up again […]
Why Chasing a “Fair” Divorce Can Backfire (And Drain Your Wallet)
Divorce is often fueled by a powerful sense of fairness. When a marriage ends, it’s natural for each spouse to want a result that feels “fair” based on what they believe they contributed to the relationship. But in practice, chasing a personal version of fairness can sometimes make the divorce process longer, more expensive, and […]
Relocating and Child Custody (The Ultimate Guide)
Relocating when you share child custody is one of the more fraught decisions a parent can face. Whether the move is driven by a new job, family need, or simply a fresh start, the impact on child custody and how the court perceives it is profound. You will want to consider how relocating will impact […]
Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Marriage and Divorce
Breach of fiduciary duty is a term often associated with business. When we hear of these cases in the news they often include board members, financial or legal professionals, or other corporate entities. Businesses are not the only things affected by fiduciary duty though. Marriages are as well. A breach of fiduciary duty can happen […]
What to Expect When Getting Divorced (A Step-by-Step Overview)
Going through a divorce is one of the most significant transitions you’ll ever face. Even when both spouses agree it’s time to part ways, the legal and emotional process can feel overwhelming. Between filing paperwork, negotiating property division, and determining custody arrangements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Understanding the process can make it far less […]
Gray Divorce: What Older Couples Need to Know
Divorce isn’t just a young person’s game. A growing number of older adults are choosing to end their marriages later in life, a trend known as gray divorce or silver separation. For seniors who are retired or nearing retirement, the decision to divorce can bring a mix of relief, anxiety, and logistical headaches. Unlike divorce […]
Do I Need to Establish Parentage?
If you’re an unmarried parent in California, you may wonder: Do I need to establish parentage? The short answer is yes. Establishing parentage is a crucial step in securing your legal rights and responsibilities concerning your child. For many individuals, the process is straightforward. Some parents will need to involve the court and possibly take […]