Law Office of Sara S. Thompson, PC

04/02/2026

🤔 Think your "private" social media posts are safe during a California divorce? Think again. 📱

Anything you post—from vacation photos to vent sessions about your ex—can be used as evidence. In CA, social media timestamps can even be used to dispute the date of separation. 🤯

💡 Tip: Before you post, ask yourself: "Would I want a judge to see this?"
Need clear, confidential advice? Call our team. 📞 530-285-4844

03/19/2026

💬 Family Law Tip: Protect Yourself Early

Thinking about divorce or custody? One of the most common mistakes we see is waiting too long to get reliable information.

In California, early decisions can impact everything—from property division to custody arrangements and support. Even informal agreements or texts between parents can later become important evidence.

✔️ Keep records of communications
✔️ Stay consistent with your parenting time
✔️ Avoid making major financial moves without guidance
✔️ When in doubt, ask questions before taking action

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Getting the right advice early can help you avoid costly and stressful mistakes down the road.

📞 If you have questions about your situation, we’re here to help.

11/27/2025

10/24/2025

💔 What Does “No-Fault” Divorce Mean in California?

In California, we are a no-fault divorce state, which means neither spouse has to prove that the other did something wrong to end the marriage. The Court does not assign blame or consider misconduct—such as infidelity or disagreements—as grounds for divorce.

Instead, the most common reason cited is “irreconcilable differences”, meaning the marriage simply can’t be repaired.

✅ You don’t need your spouse’s permission to file for divorce.
✅ Either party can end the marriage, even if the other disagrees.
✅ The Court focuses on resolving issues like property division, child custody, and support, not on who was “at fault.”

If you’re considering divorce, it’s important to understand your rights and the process before moving forward.

10/01/2025

📍 Where Do You File Your Family Law Case in California?

One of the first steps in any family law matter is figuring out which county to file your case in. In California, the rules depend on the type of case:

✅ Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage): You generally file in the county where you or your spouse has lived for the past 3 months (and at least 6 months in California).
✅ Legal Separation: You may file in the county where either you or your spouse currently lives. Unlike divorce, there is no residency requirement.
✅ Parentage Cases (Unmarried Parents): You may file in the county where the child lives or where either parent lives.
✅ Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: You can file in the county where you live, where the other party lives, or where the abuse occurred.

⚖️ Filing in the correct county is important—it ensures the court has jurisdiction to hear your case. Filing in the wrong place can lead to delays and added costs.

If you’re unsure where to file, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can give you clarity and peace of mind.

09/21/2025

🌟 The Importance of Co-Parenting After Separation or Divorce

As a California family law attorney, I often remind clients that while your relationship as partners may have ended, your role as parents continues for a lifetime. Children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and loved by both parents, even in two separate households.

💡 Tips for Effective Co-Parenting:
1️⃣ Keep communication child-focused – Discuss schedules, school, and activities without bringing past conflicts into the conversation.
2️⃣ Be consistent – Try to maintain similar rules and routines in both homes so children know what to expect.
3️⃣ Respect each other’s time – Encourage your child’s relationship with the other parent and avoid scheduling conflicts.
4️⃣ Use tools if needed – Shared calendars or co-parenting apps can reduce misunderstandings.
5️⃣ Stay flexible – Life happens. When possible, show your children that cooperation and compromise are positive values.

Co-parenting isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the best gifts you can give your children during and after a divorce. ❤️

If you have questions about custody, parenting plans, or navigating family law issues in California, I’m here to help.

08/29/2025

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=363959453430886&id=100094505027386&mibextid=wwXIfr

“This is my dad, mowing my mom’s lawn. They’ve been divorced 28 years. My mom has bad knees, and my step dad works out of town. When my younger siblings questioned “Why is your dad mowing moms lawn?” I told them “Because, She needed help, and he knew she couldn’t get out here to do it, so he did” This is co parenting. This is how lucky I am to have 4 parents who respect each other, and know that at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is showing your children (Even ones that are 32 years old) how to treat people, and how to love your family, no matter how it came together. Edit: My dad is humored at how many people have seen this. He wants everyone to know “I’m no saint”, He just wants to show others that you don’t need to act like an angelic pastor on lent, but that we should all choose kindness whenever we can.”
Credit: Codie LaChelle Upp-McPhate

07/27/2025

There are two types of custody in California; Legal Custody (decision making), and Physical Custody (where the child lives).
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07/15/2025

Divorce Mediation: Mediation can save time, stress, and money. Instead of fighting in court, the parties meet with an attorney mediator to work through and work out, the terms of their divorce. This includes property division, child custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support. The mediator does not represent either party, they are a neutral third party that guides the parties through the divorce process.

The mediator’s role is to advise the parties on existing law on issues relating to their case and to act as a facilitator to assist the parties in problem solving to reach a final settlement.

Having to go to court can be very stressful, and expensive. Many times, both parties walk out feeling like they lost. By choosing divorce mediation, the parties work together to make agreements that they believe is fair and that they agree to instead of the court hearing arguments from both parties and the judge making a ruling. Divorce mediation puts the parties in charge of their case instead of a judge. This is extremely beneficial when it comes to the custody and visitation of your children. Parents know their children better than any judge can.

07/05/2025

Happy 4th of July!!

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day!

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day!