Law Offices of Robin M. Estes

Mental health issues often play a significant role in family law. Going through a divorce is stressful. The parties can experience the same stages of grief as when you suffer a loss. In custody and visitation matters, a person's overall mental health can be a critical factor in making a determination for a parenting plan. There is no stigma in seeking mental health help. In fact, it is quite the opposite. One of the best things that you can do for yourself and for your children during a family law crisis is to seek help from a good qualified counselor. We are blessed to have many in Sonoma County that are "court involved" therapists. https://www.sonomacountybar.org//Court-Involved-Therapist-

When you are ready, we are here.

Mental health issues often play a significant role in family law. Going through a divorce is stressful. The parties can experience the same stages of grief as when you suffer a loss. In custody and visitation matters, a person's overall mental health can be a critical factor in making a determination for a parenting plan. There is no stigma in seeking mental health help. In fact, it is quite the opposite. One of the best things that you can do for yourself and for your children during a family law crisis is to seek help from a good qualified counselor. We are blessed to have many in Sonoma County that are "court involved" therapists. https://www.sonomacountybar.org//Court-Involved-Therapist-

*UPDATE 11/30/18 Legal Aid's fundraiser has raised $94,000 so far! We are very very close to $100,000. This would be a first in Legal Aid history. Can you help?! Even the cost of a cup of coffee will help.*** As most of you know, I volunteer every year for Legal Aid's annual phone-a-thon. This year, I wasn't going to participate as I was in Ireland, during the event. However, I learned that I just can't stay away. Legal Aid helps thousands in our community. They are the go to for people who are suffering from domestic violence or child abuse. If I have helped you this year, please consider paying it forward with a donation to Legal Aid. Contact me and let me know if you would be interested in donating. Let's make a difference TOGETHER!

I think I posted this before... but it bears repeating. Nothing in life worth having is ever easy...

A while back, I posted about the case, In Re Marriage of Davis, (2016) 2015 WL 4394006 ((Cal.)) (Davis). This changed the way the Date of Separation was handled in family law. I wanted to make sure and update the current status. As of January 1, 2017, there is "anti-Davis" legislation which took effect. This allows, again, for people to be "separated" for the purposes of California law while still residing in the same house. It is retroactive for cases pending as of January 1, 2017, and will apply to cases filed after that date. This is wonderful news for those who utilize a "nesting" frame of mind for their children, and also those that simply cannot afford to move into separate residences.

We need more of this.

Ok Ladies and Gentleman, I NEED YOUR HELP! We are entering the last push of the Legal Aid Phon a Thon. We are below the needed total to fund important programs for next year. The goal of the phone-a-thon is $80,000. The total is currently $79,860. Can you find it in your heart to donate? Every little bit helps! If you make a donation to Legal Aid, I will donate free legal advice to you, up to a free hour of my time. Thank you for considering this very worthy organization!

Legal Aid has a program that is near and dear to my heart. As you may know I do a lot of domestic violence work. It is my passion. Legal Aid helps over 600 women and children be SAFE at home. Doesn't everyone deserve that? If I have given you free legal advice this year, please pay it forward. Donate to Legal Aid. Help someone else be safe. The phone-a-thon is ongoing, and we are still hoping to meet our goal. If you would like to donate, please let me know and I can help you with that.

Tomorrow begins the 16th annual Legal Aid Phone-A-Thon. I have volunteered every year for the last 8 years. Every year I dedicate it to my sister's memory. Last year I raised $22,160 for this extremely worthy organization. This year, I am going to try and beat it. Can you help me help hundreds of women and children get safe from abuse? Can you find it in your heart to donate? There is no amount that is too small. Simply let me know if you would like to donate. And... it begins....

I am continually running into a security issue, which I thought I would address here. We have become reliant on email as often the preferred form of communication. However, people rarely think about its security. Unless email is encrypted it is NOT secure. This means that it can (and often is) intercepted from point A to point B. Therefore you should NEVER send information such as your social security number or complete bank account or credit card information via email. You could be setting yourself up for a financial or identity theft. Before sending these types of documents simply redact that piece of information. Have a great day!

Recently I have had an issue arise from multiple sources, cases and other attorneys asking me questions related to the same issue. California is a community property state. The title of a piece of property, does not necessary control the ownership of that property, within a dissolution. For example, Husband and Wife are married. They buy Black Acre during the marriage. Husband has bad credit. Black Acre is put in Wife's name alone. Many people think that means Wife alon...e is solely entitled to Black Acre. That is not usually the case. The community property presumption applies. If it was purchased DURING the marriage, then you START with the community property presumption. Now let's say you have Party A, Party B and Husband and Wife all on title as joint tenants. Unless there is a WRITING detailing which party owns what percentage, there is a presumption that the deed controls. Therefore, each party would own 25% of Black Acre. Now keep in mind these are gross generalizations and each case is different on it's facts. I hope you all have a safe, prank free, April Fools Day! See more