Divorce FAQs
1. How do I file for divorce in California?
The first step is to file a divorce petition and serve the other spouse, known as the respondent. The respondent has thirty days to respond to the petition and then…Continue Reading
2. What if I got married in another state – can I still file for divorce in California?
If you were married in a different state, you can still file for divorce in California, the only requirement is…Continue Reading
3. Do I qualify for a dissolution?
If you have been married for less than five years, have no children, don’t own any real estate and have limited property and debts, then you may qualify for a summary dissolution…Continue Reading
4. How long does the divorce process take?
This really depends on the unique circumstances of your case – including coming to an agreement for division of assets as well as child custody…Continue Reading
5. Do I need a reason to file for divorce?
California was the first state to adopt a “no fault divorce” concept, and a dissolution of marriage can be granted if…Continue Reading
6. Do I need to work with an attorney?
Working with an experienced divorce attorney will make it easier for you to get through the divorce process. Your attorney will be responsible for…Continue Reading
7. Will I have to go to court?
Certain paperwork will need to be filed with the court, but most divorce cases don’t need to be litigated. The best-case scenario is…Continue Reading
8. How is child custody determined?
If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement in regard to custody and parenting, then the court will…Continue Reading
9. How is child support determined?
In preparing a child support settlement, a judge will use an equation to determine the appropriate amount of child support to be granted…Continue Reading
10. Does the court always rule in favor of the mother?
Traditionally, it is more common for a mother to receive primary custody of children, however…Continue Reading
11. What is community property?
California is a community property state, which means that all property and assets that are acquired before a physical separation are subject to…Continue Reading
12. How is spousal support determined?
Alimony, or spousal support, is usually granted in a divorce where there is a big economic difference between both parties. Judges will take a number of factors into consideration, including…Continue Reading
13. Am I responsible for my spouse’s debts?
It depends – any debt incurred during a marriage is considered…Continue Reading
14. Can my divorce settlement be altered?
A divorce agreement is a legally binding contract that is signed by both parties, which means it remains with you for life…Continue Reading
Bankruptcy FAQs
1. What is bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding that allows an individual who is struggling with a large amount of debt to pay down or eliminate their bills and get a fresh start financially…Continue Reading
2. What can bankruptcy do for me?
Filing for bankruptcy can provide some much-needed relief and a new beginning for individuals who are buried in debt…Continue Reading
3. What are the different types of bankruptcy that I should consider?
The most common options for private individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is the simplest and most common type of bankruptcy and can be completed fairly quickly…Continue Reading
4. Is Chapter 7 bankruptcy right for me?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known as liquidation bankruptcy, and this is the best option for an individual who is most in need of debt relief…Continue Reading
5. Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy right for me?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not eliminate your existing debt, instead you will work towards reorganizing your debt and come to an agreement with your debtors on a repayment schedule that works for you…Continue Reading
6. How do I file for bankruptcy in California?
Once you have decided to file for bankruptcy, your attorney will prepare the necessary paperwork and file it with the court. This paperwork includes…Continue Reading
7. Will bankruptcy eliminate my debt?
Yes, with some exceptions. Here are some things that bankruptcy will not eliminate…Continue Reading
8. Will bankruptcy affect my credit?
While filing for bankruptcy will give you the opportunity to get rid of your debt and enjoy financial freedom, it will affect your credit…Continue Reading
9. Will filing for bankruptcy stop collectors from harassing me?
An automatic stay goes into effect as soon as you file for bankruptcy, which strictly prohibits…Continue Reading
10. Will I lose all of my property if I file for bankruptcy?
In most cases, with the assistance of a professional and experienced attorney you won’t lose all of your assets or property. There are certain items that are exempt depending on…Continue Reading
11. Will I be able to own property again after I file for bankruptcy?
Yes – you will be able to keep any exempt property and anything you obtain after you file for bankruptcy…Continue Reading
12. Will filing for bankruptcy get rid of taxes that I owe to the IRS?
If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there are certain tax debts that can be eliminated if you meet these specific requirements…Continue Reading
13. Can I be discriminated against in the workplace if I file for bankruptcy?
You cannot be fired or denied employment because you filed a bankruptcy petition. There are laws in place to protect…Continue Reading
14. Do I need to work with an attorney to file for bankruptcy?
While it is possible to file for bankruptcy without the help of an attorney, it is not recommended…Continue Reading
Consumer Litigation
1. What is consumer litigation law?
Consumer litigation law is put in place to protect consumers in areas like credit issues, defective products and services or products that…Continue Reading
2. What areas of consumer litigation law do you specialize in?
Our attorneys at Gale, Angelo, Johnson & Pruett P.C., specialize in two main areas on consumer protection from creditors…Continue Reading
3. What is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)?
The TCPA was passed in 1991 and it outlines rules and regulations to restrict telemarketing calls, phone solicitation and the use of automated telephone equipment – like…Continue Reading
4. What type of calls does TCPA apply to?
The TCPA applies to any calls to both landlines and mobile phones. The rules are…Continue Reading
5. Who is covered under the TCPA? Are there any exemptions?
The TCPA regulation applies to any individual or business in the United States, and this includes…Continue Reading
6. What type of consent is required of my business in order to be able to send out text messages to customers?
Consumer consent is extremely important under the TCPA and should be the primary focus of any business that wants to…Continue Reading
7. What is the statute of limitations for the TCPA?
Under this regulation you have four years from the time…Continue Reading
8. What should I do if I think I have a TCPA case?
Contact our team at GAJP Law and make sure to save all…Continue Reading
9. What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
The FCRA is a federal law that regulates credit reporting agencies, like…Continue Reading
10. What rights do consumers have under the FCRA?
The FCRA states that…Continue Reading
11. Who is in charge of regulating and enforcing the FCRA?
The Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are the main agencies in charge of…Continue Reading
Give us a call at 916-458-5190 for help with your concerns or fill out the inquiry form below to schedule a thorough case evaluation with our team.