The New Rules on Childcare Costs in California

Conjoint Therapy: What Judges Are Ordering in Today’s Custody Battles

Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges, California family law attorney Amanda Hill discusses the growing trend of court-ordered conjoint therapy in custody disputes. As mental health becomes an increasingly important factor in family court, Amanda Hill explains what conjoint therapy is, when judges order it, and how it can impact parent-child relationships. She also outlines the challenges parents face, from high costs to compliance issues, while providing practical guidance for families navigating this sensitive process. Key Timestamps [00:01:00] – Amanda Hill explains what conjoint therapy is and how it differs from individual therapy. [00:04:30] – When judges are most likely to order conjoint therapy in custody disputes. [00:06:00] – Common reasons why conjoint therapy is needed, including parental alienation and strained parent-child relationships. [00:09:30] – What happens when a parent refuses to participate in court-ordered therapy. [00:11:00] – How therapists are chosen and how progress reports are shared with the court. [00:13:30] – What happens if therapy fails or parents stop participating. [00:15:30] – Amanda Hill’s advice for parents navigating custody cases with court-ordered therapy. About The Show: Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges features insights from SoCal's trusted attorneys Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi. The show focuses on family law, consumer protection, and employment law, offering helpful, caring, and professional legal advice.

The New Rules on Childcare Costs in California

Episode Summary: In this episode, California family law attorney Amanda Hill breaks down the major 2024 update on how child care costs are divided between parents. Previously split 50/50, these costs are now allocated based on each parent’s income, shifting the financial responsibility in custody and support cases. Amanda explains what counts as mandatory add-ons, how parents can enforce payments, and when it makes sense to seek a court modification under the new law. Key Timestamps: 00:45 – What are mandatory add-ons in California child support? 02:20 – How the 2024 law changed the way child care costs are divided 03:50 – Do daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps qualify? 05:00 – Record-keeping and enforcement if a parent refuses to pay 06:40 – Disputes over what qualifies as necessary child care 08:15 – How therapy and orthodontia fall under mandatory add-ons 09:20 – When to request a modification under the new law 10:15 – Do the new rules apply to existing court orders? 11:00 – Amanda’s advice for parents navigating the change About The Show: Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges features insights from SoCal's trusted attorneys Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi. The show focuses on family law, consumer protection, and employment law, offering helpful, caring, and professional legal advice.

What the Celebrities Get Wrong About Prenups (and Why You Need One Anyway)

Episode Summary: In this episode, attorney Amanda Hill breaks down the myths and realities of prenuptial agreements. While many people believe prenups are only for celebrities or the ultra-wealthy, Amanda explains why these agreements can benefit couples from all walks of life. She discusses what can and cannot be included in a prenup, how community property laws in California affect marriage, and why prenups are becoming more common in second marriages and among couples marrying later in life. From financial protection to future planning, Amanda shows why a prenup is best viewed as an insurance policy for your marriage. Key Timestamps: 1:45 – What a prenuptial agreement really is and who should consider one 4:20 – Why prenups are more than just protection for the wealthy 6:50 – What can and cannot be included in a prenup 9:30 – The impact of community property laws in California 12:10 – Timing rules and why prenups must be signed carefully 14:45 – Postnuptial agreements and how they differ from prenups 17:30 – Common misconceptions and modern trends in prenups About The Show: Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges features insights from SoCal's trusted attorneys Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi. The show focuses on family law, consumer protection, and employment law, offering helpful, caring, and professional legal advice.

Love Island Syndrome: How Fast Romances Can Wreck Your Custody Case

Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges, Southern California attorney Amanda Hill discusses how new relationships formed too quickly—often referred to as “Love Island Syndrome”—can create serious issues in custody disputes. Drawing from her experience in family law, Amanda explains how courts view romantic introductions, cohabitation with new partners, and the role of social media in custody cases. She also provides practical advice for parents navigating new romances while prioritizing their children’s best interests. Key Timestamps 00:55 – How fast relationships affect custody cases 02:00 – When courts consider who you’re dating 04:20 – Introducing new partners to children 06:30 – Moving on too quickly during divorce 09:45 – Restrictions in parenting plans 12:10 – Social media pitfalls in custody disputes 14:30 – The trend of fast relationships 18:00 – Final advice for parents About The Show: Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges features insights from SoCal's trusted attorneys Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi. The show focuses on family law, consumer protection, and employment law, offering helpful, caring, and professional legal advice.

Can You Make Your Ex Pay for Their Student Loans?

Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges, attorney Amanda Hill explores the complex issue of student loan debt during divorce. She breaks down how California law treats education-related debt, whether a spouse can be reimbursed for helping pay off loans, and how lenders, courts, and divorce settlements impact financial responsibility. With clear explanations and real-world examples, Amanda provides critical insights for spouses worried about being stuck with debt that isn’t theirs. Key Timestamps 00:45 – How California law treats student loan debt in divorce: separate or community property? 03:05 – The risks when a spouse cosigns on loans during marriage 05:00 – Can a spouse be reimbursed for helping pay student loans? 07:12 – How student loan debt impacts child support and spousal support 09:10 – What happens if your ex defaults on loans and harms your credit 11:00 – Family loans, promissory notes, and how courts treat them 12:45 – Divorce settlements and limiting exposure to future defaults 13:50 – Amanda’s advice for clients worried about being stuck with education debt About The Show:   Navigating Consumer and Family Law Challenges features insights from SoCal's trusted attorneys Amanda Hill and Sara Khosroabadi. The show focuses on family law, consumer protection, and employment law, offering helpful, caring, and professional legal advice. About Amanda Hill Amanda Hill is a partner at K & H Law Group, where she provides compassionate and strategic legal guidance in family law, consumer protection, and employment law. She is committed to advocating for California families navigating complex custody and child welfare issues.