If you thought that getting a divorce in California could be just as easy as getting married, you may have to think again. California family courts require each spouse to make sure they disclose to one another any and all debts or properties each has during the divorce process. So each spouse will be required to fill out many of the financial forms, declarations concerning income and expenses, and disclosures of assets and debts as required by the California Judicial Council.

Why is disclosure so important? Well, certain answers can be found in the California Family Code. Family Code Section 721 states that "spouses are subject to the general rules governing fiduciary relationships that control the actions of persons occupying confidential relations with each other. This confidential relationship imposes a duty of the highest good faith and fair dealing on each spouse, and neither shall take any unfair advantage of the other". In addition to the concept of "fiduciary relationship". the California legislature has also stressed the importance of protection of assets and a fair division of any debts involved in a marriage such that, assets in particular, are not disposed of by any spouse taking unfair advantage of the other prior to any orders for child support or spousal support. In California Family Code Section 2100(c), it states that " a full and accurate disclosure of all assets and liabilities in which one or both parties have or may have an interest must be made in the early stages of a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or legal separation of the parties, regardless of the characterization as community or separte, together with a disclosure of all income and expenses of the parties."

As you can see, Calfornia law requires spouses to disclose their assets and debts, their income from all sources and expenses, and by doing so, the spouses can fairly divide such assets or debts, fairly assign such assets or debts to the other spouse upon settlement or conclusion of a divorce case, and receive fair orders concerning child or spousal support orders depending upon the circumstances of a case.

When a spouse refuses to disclose, there can be legal consequences such as ssnctions, awards for attorney fees, or contempt orders. The forms and declarations involved in a divorce or legal separation case in California can be overwhelming. However, when property disclosures and financial declarations are done correctly, a spouse can be comfortably assured that he or she is not being unfairly treated or taken advantage of by the other spouse.

The Gonzalez Law Firm is located in the cities of Fullerton and Santa Ana, and has helped many individuals receive fair treatment and outcomes in divorce, child custody, property division, child support and spousal support cases. Call 877-345-2997 to schedule a consultation with Attorney David Gonzalez.

Halloween is upon us again. Children are looking forward to wearing their best ghoul and goblin and princess costumes.

Halloween tends to be a festive celebration. One where there can also be party goers who drink alcohol and choose to drive to and from their Halloween parties.

So parents when you take your children out for trick or treating, keep in mind some of the following helpful tips:

Start your trick or treating early:

During daylight and prior to dusk is a good time in which to start your child's trick or treating. Your children can be seen by drivers. As dusk passes, bring a flashlight that can illuminate for over 30 feet if possible. Cell phones can also download certain flashlight apps making the cell phone a flashlight. For example, Torch Flashlight App can be obtained trough the App Store from iTunes. Although such apps provide illumination, a typical hardware flashlight may be your best bet.

Have an adult be the leader of the pack and also have an adult protect the rear:

Children do like to run off on their own to various homes to be the first to get the candy. It is wise, however, to have an adult maintain a reasonable distance ahead of the pack to make certain a child does not run across a street. An adult should also cover the rear to make certain no child is left behind or is not accounted for in the event the pack gets a bit to far ahead. Always keep a count of the children and always use your flashlights to direct crossing a street if necessary.

Designate a location to meet ahead of time in the event your pack separates:

It does happen. Parents cannot hold the pack together. That is fine should it occur; just a normal part of the fun. But parents can designate a certain landmark as a meeting place for the pack to get together again in the event there is a break in the group. Such landmarks can include the corner of the street, the house at the end of the street, the stop sign area, just to name a few examples.

Keep an eye out for careless drivers:

Keep a watch out for drivers who do not have their car headlights on, the driver who is using the cell phone while driving, the driver who may be driving a bit too fast for driving conditions. They are out there. Parents should be watchful and attentive to their surroundings while their kids are trick or treating. Use your cell phone to call 911 to report such careless drivers especially any driver that may be driving a bit erractically in a neighborhood. Such a driver may be driving under the influence of alchohol so it is wise to involve your local police agency should you suspect such a driver.

Just a word of advice to any one who may drive to and from their Halloween parties: if you are going to drink, do so wisely and responsibly. Designate a driver who has not consumed any alcohol to drive you to your destination. Use a fun shuttle or limousine service. Do the right thing: DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AND THEN GET BEHIND AN AUTOMOBILE TO DRIVE. If you do so, you risk putting the lives of children and others in danger. There are stiff penalities in California for drinking and driving. A first time conviction for driving under the influence criminal charge charge can include jail time, years on probation, loss or suspension of a driver license, court fees and fines, and participation and completion of a state mandated alcohol program. A person can spend about $5,000.00 in fees, penalties, and fines. Furthermore, the drunk driving conviction can remain on a driver's licensing record for 10 years. Convictions for second or third DUI offenses can be even more severe. If a driver has consumed alcohol and gets involved in a car accident, that person faces a felony charge and possible felony conviction. A jail sentence for a period of months may be ordered by the judge.

Halloween should be a time of fun for all. Children get the most fun wearing that cool ninja constume or that beautiful princess costume. Parents love to see their children radiate wearing such costumes and getting their favorite candy in their Halloween bag. Let all of us do our best to maintain a safe and sane Halloween.

The Gonzalez Law Firm has over 18 years of experience helping families with their legal issues. Attorney David Gonzalez has offices in Fullerton and Santa Ana and can assist you with your child custody issue, parenting rights, or dissolution of marriage matter. His firm also assists persons who may be accused of criminal charges including misdemeanor or felony DUI charges. Contact his firm for a consultation concerning your legal issue.