Law Offices of Lynda SheridanLos Angeles Divorce Lawyer | California Lemon Law Attorney2026-04-30T13:17:28Zhttps://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605353/2026/02/cropped-ls-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[Men who seek alimony still face more challenges than women]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=469132026-01-17T20:36:45Z2026-01-17T20:36:45ZHere in Beverly Hills and the surrounding Los Angeles area, there are more instances of men seeking alimony in divorce than in other parts of the state and throughout the country as a whole. Many men are far outearned by their wife or husband because of the outsized income earned by those who find success in entertainment, sports, tech and other lucrative careers.
If a divorcing man isn’t able to support himself in anything close to the marital standard of living he enjoyed and his soon-to-be ex-spouse is able to help him do that without compromising their own lifestyle, that may be a valid case to make. That doesn’t mean, however, that there’s not still some stigma attached to a man receiving alimony. Unfortunately, some judges have their own negative feelings about it.An official with the Association of Matrimonial Lawyers notes that judges still generally award less alimony to men than to women, and for a shorter period. They also are more likely to require that men seeking and receiving spousal support provide more evidence that they’re earning as much as they reasonably can than they require of women.
Knowing the factors judges consider helps
Men seeking spousal support should know the factors that judges consider for anyone, regardless of gender, when determining the amount and duration. These include the length of the marriage, the individual assets, income and earning potential of both spouses and their ages and health. They can also consider the contributions that the lesser- or non-earning spouse made to the other’s career or success.It’s crucial for men seeking alimony in divorce to know and advocate for their rights. They may need to make a stronger case for it than they would if they were a woman. That’s where having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[Communication doesn’t have to be challenging for co-parents]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=469092026-01-13T09:38:16Z2026-01-13T09:38:16ZMaking the shift from being in a romantic relationship to raising children as co-parents isn’t always easy. Emotions related to the end of the relationship can creep up without warning, and dealing with those can be challenging.
If you’re making this major change, it’s best to set some basic ground rules for co-parenting communication. This can help to ensure that you and your ex are on the same page about what’s expected and allowable.
Set topic expectations
It’s sometimes easy to slip back into speaking about the issues that led to the split, but that won’t be productive at all for co-parenting. Instead of doing that, commit to only speaking about matters related to the children. This can help to reduce the chance of contentious conversations causing problems.
Establish communication specifics
Besides committing to only topics related to the children, you also need to set the standards for how you will communicate. This can include the method of communication, times when it’s acceptable to send non-emergency messages and how long is considered reasonable for responses.
Remain willing to compromise
Co-parenting works best when both parents are willing to compromise with each other for the good of the children. Try not to think about what makes life easier for you or more difficult for your ex. Instead, consider each available option and how it will affect your children. Doing what’s best for the children should always be the priority. It might be easier to co-parent if you and your ex have a comprehensive parenting plan set. This written document should outline as much as possible, including the parenting time schedule and major decisions. Working with someone who can assist with this might be beneficial. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[Why a postnup can be valuable whether you have a prenup or not]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=469072025-12-22T09:38:04Z2025-12-22T09:38:04ZIf you and your spouse are like many couples, you didn’t feel you had enough assets when you got married to warrant getting a prenuptial agreement. However, a lot can change over years of marriage. One or both of you may have lucrative careers. You may have accumulated considerable (and in some cases, complex) assets – and debts.
Even if you have a prenup, it may be sorely outdated and not reflect your current life or financial situation. For example, maybe one of you left the workforce to be a full-time parent or to help your spouse with an unofficial yet significant role in their career.Some people think a postnup is something people get only as they move toward divorce to help the process proceed more easily and privately. In fact, however, it’s typically better to get a postnup while you’re still committed to the marriage and can more easily negotiate with each other.A postnup can address the same things as a prenup can. Like a prenup, it can’t address any child custody or support matters. However, it can stipulate how assets will be divided and how much, if any, alimony one spouse will be expected to pay the other. It can also address the division of debts.
A postnup can offer financial protection for both spouses
If there’s a big earning disparity between you and your spouse, it can protect both of you. For example, if you’re the lesser-earning spouse, you can help ensure that you’ll receive enough spousal support to live comfortably while you build up your own earning potential. Older spouses can help protect their lifestyle for the remainder of their lives if getting back into the full-time workforce isn’t feasible. If you outearn your spouse, you can help ensure that you don’t end up supporting them to the detriment of your own financial well-being.In California, which uses the community property model of property division, where marital assets are divided 50-50, a postnup can override the law, as long as the terms are basically fair to both. For example, the higher-earning spouse may be willing to give up a large share of marital assets since they’ll be able to earn enough to replace them.As with a prenup, it’s crucial for each spouse to have their own legal representative to protect their rights as they put the document in place. This will also help ensure that it’s valid and will hold up in court if and when it’s ever needed.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[3 red flags that your spouse is hiding assets before divorce]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=469042025-12-08T02:37:17Z2025-12-08T02:37:17ZIf you are going through a divorce with significant assets, one concern you may have is that your spouse is going to try to hide some of those assets. Their goal is simply to keep from having to divide the assets with you during marital property division.
From a legal perspective, your spouse is required to give a full disclosure of all assets they own and should not hide anything. But because people do so anyway, it can be helpful to know what red flags to look for as you proceed.
1. They suddenly “remember” an old debt
In some cases, a spouse may look for an excuse to transfer money to a close friend or family member, such as remembering an old debt that they never paid back. The truth may be that the debt never existed, but they have an arrangement with that person to return the money after the divorce.
2. They stop getting bonuses or commissions at work
If your spouse makes a significant amount of their money through commissions and bonuses, and those stop coming in, it may be that they are delaying the payments. If they get paid as normal, they have to split the earnings with you because they earned that money during the marriage. So they may ask their boss to pay their commissions all in a lump sum after the divorce.
3. They make new transactions with complex assets
You also just need to keep an eye on any bank accounts, investment portfolios and other financial accounts to see if there are new and unexpected transactions. The more complex your assets are, the easier it is for someone to obscure the paper trail, perhaps transferring money into hidden or undisclosed accounts.If you do believe your spouse is hiding assets, then you must understand what legal steps to take moving forward.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[How do co-parents determine custody on Christmas Day?]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=469022025-11-23T00:03:50Z2025-11-23T00:03:50ZAlternating holidays
One common tactic is to alternate different holidays between the parents. You see the children on Christmas this year, but your ex has them for Christmas next year. At the same time, you have the children for Thanksgiving next year, and your ex has them this year.
Dividing Christmas Day
Another option can be to split up Christmas Day itself, such as having the children start the day with Christmas morning at your house and then go to your ex’s house after lunch. One determining factor is how close you live to one another, as this does necessitate travel in the middle of the holiday.
Planning to celebrate together
If you had a high-conflict divorce and do not want to spend time with your ex, this may not be a viable solution. However, if you and your ex are on good terms, then you may simply be able to make plans to spend time together so that you each get to see the children all day.
These are just a few options to consider. They show why it is so important to understand your legal rights and options over the holidays.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[The importance of a valuation date in a high-asset divorce]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=469002025-11-14T01:13:12Z2025-11-14T01:13:12ZWhat is a valuation date?
As the name implies, a valuation date is a specific day selected for the purpose of asset valuation. In a divorce, people often use the date when they initially separated or filed divorce paperwork as the valuation date.
The valuation date influences the estimated fair market value for resources. Calculating what real estate, businesses, stocks and other complex assets are worth requires an evaluation of the market conditions.
The valuation date selected can have a profound impact on the estimated values set for resources that fluctuate in value. Couples may have an easier time settling their disputes about what assets are worth when they both use the same date when referencing market conditions.
Having appropriate support during complex property division negotiations can set people up for the best possible outcome. Those with valuable and diversified resources often need assistance determining what their property is worth and how to fairly divide their shared property during divorce proceedings, and that’s okay.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[How fathers can potentially increase their parenting time]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=468992025-10-19T11:34:13Z2025-10-19T11:34:13ZPursue a custody modification
It is possible to change a custody order with the consent of both parents. There are many modifications that can allow for more time with the children. Sometimes, fathers have demanding careers or other obligations that prevent them from consistently having parenting time.
However, they could request the right of first refusal in scenarios where the mother might acquire child care for the children. The father then has the option of increasing his parenting time whenever the mother cannot directly care for the children. The mother benefits from reducing childcare expenses as well.
Men who pursue better jobs, stabilize their housing arrangements, address substance abuse or complete parenting classes can address issues that may have led to the limitation of their parental rights previously. They can then either pursue an uncontested modification by working with the mothers of their children or a litigated modification where they ask a judge to change the arrangements based on their improved circumstances.
Fathers have rights under the law, and children often benefit from maintaining healthy relationships with their fathers. Custody modifications are a common way to secure more parenting time. Seeking increased parenting time can be a smart decision for fathers who initially received minimal time with their children, and now want more.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[How mental health challenges can lead to the end of a marriage]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=468982025-10-10T12:26:46Z2025-10-10T12:26:46ZMarriage is often viewed as a partnership built on love, understanding and mutual support. However, when one or both partners experience mental health challenges, the relationship can come under immense strain. Mental health issues don’t just impact the person suffering from them; they ripple through the relationship as a whole. Partners may find themselves confused, frustrated or emotionally drained as they try to navigate unpredictable moods or behaviors. Without open communication, empathy and professional help, these challenges can escalate into chronic conflict or emotional distance, eventually leading to the breakdown of the marriage.
Emotional disconnection and communication breakdown
One of the earliest signs that mental health is affecting a marriage is emotional disconnection. A spouse struggling with depression or anxiety may:
Withdraw
Lose interest in intimacy
Become less responsive to their partner’s needs
This withdrawal can leave the other partner feeling rejected, unloved or isolated. Over time, misunderstandings grow as:
Communication falters
Arguments become more frequent
Meaningful dialogue fades
This breakdown in understanding can create a cycle of hurt and resentment that slowly erodes the relationship’s foundation.
The weight of emotional and physical exhaustion
Supporting a partner with mental health challenges can be emotionally and physically exhausting. The healthy partner may take on extra responsibilities, such as:
Managing finances
Caring for children
Handling household duties
Meanwhile, the partner struggling with their mental health may feel guilty or ashamed for being unable to meet expectations. This guilt can further worsen their condition, making it even harder for them to engage in the relationship. Without shared effort and mutual care, the imbalance can grow, leaving both partners feeling trapped and misunderstood.Couples whose marriages have ended due to mental health challenges may not realize that even ending the marriage can be an uphill task. By enlisting insightful legal guidance, they can help ensure that the marital union is concluded with as much grace as is possible under their unique circumstances. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[Is deferred compensation divisible in a California divorce?]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=468972025-09-29T07:10:08Z2025-09-29T07:10:08ZIncome earned during marriage is marital property
Deferred compensation involves an arrangement to pay a worker for keeping their job or meeting certain performance metrics in the future. Deferred compensation can range from retention bonuses if professionals stay in their positions for a certain number of years to stock options.
Typically, the courts consider anything earned during marriage subject to division, even if the spouses have not necessarily received those assets yet. It may be necessary to determine the portion of deferred compensation earned during the marriage.
Depending on the type of compensation provided, valuing it could prove challenging. Even though spouses may not be able to directly divide compensation not yet received, they can use its value to make the overall property division process fairer.
Understanding which assets are subject to community property division statutes is helpful in the early stages of divorce. Even resources held in the name of one spouse could be subject to division under community property rules. Having support when addressing complex property division matters can help a divorcing spouse protect their financial future.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan<![CDATA[How can divorcing couples split retirement funds?]]>https://www.lyndasheridanlaw.com/?p=468962025-09-12T11:03:57Z2025-09-12T11:03:57ZBy splitting the accounts
Maybe each spouse has a 401(k) account in their own name attached to their employment. Perhaps the spouses have funded a Roth IRA in addition to one of them accumulating 401(k) funds.
Spouses can have an attorney draft a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) to divide those savings into two separate accounts. The proper use of a QDRO can protect people from income tax consequences and a penalty that further reduces their savings.
By offsetting the savings
Particularly when spouses try to negotiate their own settlement, they could avoid dividing their retirement savings. Instead, they can determine the marital value of their savings.
Then, they can use that value to balance out decisions related to other marital property or responsibility for marital debts. People in high-asset marriages preparing for divorce often face a more challenging property division process due to resources like retirement savings accounts.
Retirement accounts are among the valuable assets that spouses can protect with an effective divorce strategy. Those with retirement resources and other financial resources may need help preparing for complex property division proceedings, and that’s okay. Properly addressing retirement savings can set people up for a comfortable life after a high-asset divorce.]]>