Goodrich & Cheung, LLPGoodrich & Cheung, LLP2026-06-24T06:55:47Zhttps://www.goodrichcheung.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1301592/2020/10/cropped-fav-icon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Why new parents need a will in California]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475362026-06-24T06:55:47Z2026-06-24T06:55:47ZA will lets you choose a guardian
A will allows you to create a guardianship designation for minor children and name the person you trust to step into that role. You can also name an alternate guardian in case your first choice is unable to serve.
Without a will, a court may decide who raises your child. Judges try to act in a child's best interests, but they may not know your family dynamics or understand your wishes.
A will can protect your child's financial future
A will can also help ensure that someone you trust manages assets intended for your child’s benefit. It may address:
Who will oversee the money left for your family
How inherited assets will pass to your children
When your children can access those funds
Depending on your family's circumstances, a trust may also be an important part of an estate plan and provide additional control over how assets are managed and distributed. Even families with modest assets may benefit from these protections. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts and home equity can create an estate that deserves careful planning.
Plan for tomorrow to take care of what matters most
No parent wants to think about worst-case scenarios. Still, making these decisions now can provide clarity and peace of mind later. A properly prepared will helps ensure your wishes guide important decisions instead of leaving those decisions to the probate process outlined by the California courts.]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Can you modify custody arrangements due to parental alienation?]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475352026-06-17T13:55:56Z2026-06-17T13:55:38ZHow does California view parental alienation?
Parental alienation is considered a major issue in family courts. Judges evaluate custody matters based on the health, safety and welfare of the child. California law favors frequent and continuing contact with both parents. However, when one parent actively isolates a child or breeds hostility against the other, it violates this policy.
Courts may view this behavior as harmful to the child. This can be grounds to change the current custody agreement.
How do you prove the need for a modification?
To successfully change your custody order, you must show a significant change in circumstances. This requires documented evidence showing that the alienating behavior is harming the child.
It may be helpful to gather text messages, emails, call logs and school records that track a pattern of denied visits or hidden information. Statements from teachers, counselors or neutral third parties can also help prove to the court that the current environment is no longer stable or healthy for your child.
What other measures can the court take?
If the court finds that alienation is occurring, a judge has the authority to restructure the custody arrangement. The court can reduce the parenting time of the alienating parent or award you primary physical custody to ensure a safe environment. Judges may also order reunification therapy or family counseling to help repair the damaged bond.
Protecting your parental rights
Healing your relationship with your child is entirely possible. Taking action in court is a vital first step. By understanding your rights and the remedies available, you can help your child return to a stable, loving environment.]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[3 problems that come with losing Temporary Protected Status]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475332026-06-15T15:18:00Z2026-06-15T15:18:00ZImmigration policies are changing every week in the USA. In this volatile environment, thousands of people are at risk of having their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) terminated. What are some challenges they may face if such a situation ever arises while staying in California?
Expiration of work permit
For those who hold a TPS-based Employment Authorization Document (EAD), the expiration of their TPS automatically triggers the expiration of their work permit. Consequently, affected individuals may lose their current jobs and their legal right to seek new employment anywhere in the United States.
Complications with driver's licenses
If someone loses their TPS, their driving privileges may be revoked because standard driving licenses are directly tied to legal immigration status. However, if one has an AB 60 driving license issued by California that is not linked to their immigration status, they can continue to use it. Nevertheless, federal agencies or other state government bodies may not accept an AB 60 license.
The risk of facing removal proceedings
One of the harshest situations one can face is leaving the country that gave them career opportunities, shelter and a livelihood. Unfortunately, this is a real risk for people losing TPS, especially if it was the only status that granted them a legal basis to remain in the U.S. Without it, individuals become vulnerable to deportation and removal proceedings.
What are some alternatives?
Losing TPS doesn’t always mean someone’s chapter in the USA has to end. They may use other legal paths, such as seeking asylum, a family-based green card or a U Visa to continue their stay in the USA. However, it can be quite a challenge to choose any legal path and take on the case alone. With an immigration attorney, those at risk of TPS termination can fight against deportation and evaluate their options.
]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Navigating estate planning with a blended family]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475322026-06-01T10:38:00Z2026-06-01T10:32:58ZAvoiding accidental disinheritance
While many parents think a simple will that leaves everything to their surviving spouse is a good enough solution, doing so can further complicate things. You might inadvertently disinherit your children from a previous marriage if your current spouse changes their mind or remarries after you pass.
Passing away without a proper estate plan can also lead to intestacy issues when an unequal division of assets occurs between your surviving family members. One way you can avoid this by setting up a Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust.
By doing so, you can ensure that your surviving spouse has a lifetime income while the principal is protected for your remaining beneficiaries. That amount is then distributed by the trustee to your children from a prior marriage under your original terms.
Choosing the right trustee
When deciding who to manage your QTIP trust, it may be best to select a sibling or trusted friend to maintain family harmony. You may also hire a professional fiduciary to act as a neutral third party who will follow trust distributions as you intended. A lawyer can help you review your options for creating a trust that fits your family structure.
When being proactive matters
Preparing a strong estate plan for a blended family is not just about asset distribution. It is also about providing peace of mind for those you leave behind. By taking the initiative to document your intentions today, you can ensure lasting support for your loved ones tomorrow.]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Things to keep in mind about immigration during divorce]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475312026-05-22T18:21:26Z2026-05-22T18:21:26ZUnderstanding how an immigration status may be affected
The answer usually depends on several factors, such as where the individual is in the immigration process and their current immigration status. Because every marriage is different, many people find it helpful to stay organized and informed as the situation changes.
Steps that could help in protecting immigration status
When divorce happens in the middle of the immigration process, people might feel uncertain about what to do next. Delays, missing paperwork or misunderstandings about immigration requirements may create additional stress. So taking informed steps early on with an experienced immigration attorney might help protect their legal status and better prepare them for possible challenges. There are numerous important considerations to remember, including:
Divorce may change how long permanent residents must wait before applying for U.S. citizenship.
Keeping financial records, photos and joint property or lease documents may help show the marriage was genuine and entered in good faith.
Divorce may affect the ability to stay in the country if the visa depends on a spouse’s immigration status.
Divorce may affect a minor child’s immigration status, especially when one parent is a U.S. citizen and the other is not.
In some cases, individuals who experienced abuse from a spouse may still have certain options available.
In some cases, individuals may qualify for another visa or immigration option, and speaking with an attorney may help them better understand their next step.
Every immigration situation is different and getting divorced does not always mean a person will lose their legal status in the U.S. Staying informed, keeping important records and understanding the available options could may help one feel more prepared about the next steps.
Understanding the next steps
Divorce could impact the immigration process differently depending on the steps that have already been completed. Individuals may still have different immigration options to explore before the divorce or immigration process is finalized. Taking action early and understanding your available options can make a big difference in avoiding any mistakes that can negatively impact the future.]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Legal parentage in California: What unmarried couples should know]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475302026-05-07T15:53:04Z2026-05-07T15:53:04ZSigning a voluntary declaration
If both of you agree, you may be able to sign a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, or VDOP. Many people sign this form at the hospital after a child is born, but you can also complete it later through authorized government agencies or a local child support office.
Once filed with the state, a VDOP has the same effect as a final court order that establishes legal parentage. Because of this, you should not sign it if you are unsure whether you or the other person is the child’s parent. If a parent changes their mind, they generally have 60 days to cancel the VDOP. After that, they need a court order to set it aside. Signing the form may also affect your right to ask for genetic testing or have a judge decide parentage later.
Asking the court to decide parentage
If you and the other parent do not agree, you may need to ask the court to decide recognition. This usually starts by filing a Petition to Determine Parental Relationship, Form FL-200. Through this case, the judge can decide who should be formally recognized as a parent.
The court may consider genetic testing if biological parentage is in question, but DNA is not always the only factor. California also recognizes that parentage is not always based on biology. In some cases, the state may name a person as a legal parent if they intended to parent a child conceived through assisted reproduction. Same-sex parents and parents who used assisted reproduction may need this type of review, depending on their circumstances.
Once the court confirms legal recognition, it can make orders for child custody, parenting time and child support. This can matter when one parent wants a formal schedule, needs support for the child or wants official recognition of their role.
Understanding your next step
If you are unsure whether to sign a VDOP or start a court case, legal guidance can help you understand your options before you move forward.]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Why apply for an ITIN as a noncitizen?]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475282026-04-30T15:33:32Z2026-04-30T15:33:32ZWhat are the benefits of having an ITIN?
Having an ITIN allows you to file taxes, which can serve as proof of your income. With evidence that you make a living in the U.S., you can open a bank account and begin building a credit profile.
You may also be eligible for specific tax credits if your children are U.S. citizens with Social Security numbers. Moreover, using an ITIN keeps your identity safe as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) cannot legally share your information with immigration enforcement agencies.
How to apply for an ITIN
The ITIN application typically begins with filling out an IRS Form W-7, alongside a federal income tax return. The IRS often requires supporting documents that confirm your identity and noncitizen statues, such as:
Passport
Visa issued by the U.S. Department of State
Foreign military identification or voter’s registration card
Civil birth certificate
Foreign medical or school records (if you have dependents)
You may submit your application by mail to the IRS. You also have the option to apply in person at a local site or work with an agent that offers ITIN services. Seeking legal guidance can help you navigate the complexities of the application process, reducing the risk of delays.
Working toward a stable future
Getting an ITIN to file your taxes can help demonstrate that you are fulfilling your financial responsibilities and contributing to the economy. Doing so can help build a credible history of abiding by the law, which can be a path toward pursuing legal residency.
]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[3 estate planning must-haves]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475262026-04-23T16:16:45Z2026-04-23T15:58:58ZTransfer-on-death deeds
Under California law, homeowners who are aged 18 and above, and are mentally competent can create a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed for their real property. This legal tool ensures a seamless transfer of their property to their beneficiaries without the need for probate.
Since TOD deeds only take effect upon the owner’s death, they retain ownership and control of their properties during their lifetime. This means that their beneficiaries cannot sell or rent their property while they are still alive.
Living trust
Establishing a living trust, such as a revocable trust, can help individuals transfer ownership of their assets into a trust while having the flexibility to amend or revoke their document while they are still of sound mind.
Unlike a will that becomes public upon the owner’s death, the details of a trust remain private. Since the assets under a trust already have designated beneficiaries, their asset distribution process can proceed without probate.
Durable power of attorney
With a durable power of attorney, the owner or “principal” can appoint an agent who can represent them if they become incapacitated. Under the document’s legal authority, the agent has power to manage their finances or make health care decisions on their behalf.
For example, a durable financial power of attorney can give the agent access and control over the principal’s bank accounts, investments and financial transactions. They will also be responsible for their unpaid bills and their tax returns.
Since individuals have unique goals for the future, they can personalize their estate plan with a skilled lawyer who can help them make informed decisions and ensure that their documents align with their specific needs and lifestyle.]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Can grandparents get visitation rights in California?]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475232026-04-15T09:46:32Z2026-04-15T09:03:56ZWhen courts may allow grandparent visitation
Grandparents do not receive visitation automatically. In California, courts generally respect your authority as parents to decide who spends time with your child, while still allowing limited review in certain circumstances. As a result, a grandparent must present strong reasons for the court to intervene.
When a request reaches the court, the judge reviews specific points to guide the decision. Key questions courts evaluate include:
Whether there is an established bond with your child: The grandparent must show a meaningful, ongoing relationship with your child, such as regular care or consistent contact over time.
Whether visitation serves your child’s best interest: The court evaluates how continued contact supports your child’s emotional health, stability and overall well-being.
Beyond these points, courts also look at the family’s structure before reviewing a request. These cases often arise when parents are divorced or living apart, when one parent cannot be located or when the child does not live with either parent.
Nonetheless, the court gives strong weight to your decisions as parents, since the law presumes that you act in your child’s best interest. If both parents agree that grandparent visitation should not take place, courts generally will not override that decision.
What to consider when navigating grandparent visitation issues
As a parent, you may need to balance your child’s routine with the role grandparents have played in their life. Courts look closely at these details, especially when past involvement and the child’s well-being come into focus.
Understanding how visitation fits within legal custody rights may help you approach the situation with greater clarity. Each case depends on specific facts, and small details often shape the outcome. Seeking legal help can give you a clearer understanding of your position and support better decisions that protect your child’s stability.]]>On Behalf of Goodrich & Cheung, LLP<![CDATA[Can you sponsor a green card on behalf of your parents?]]>https://www.goodrichcheung.com/?p=475202026-03-27T13:52:23Z2026-03-27T13:52:23ZCan you sponsor both your parents?
If you are at least 21 years old, you can petition for both your parents. The law considers the parents of U.S. citizens as "immediate relatives." This means there are no visa quotas for, allowing your parents to skip the long visa queues common in other family preference categories.
How does the petition process work?
To begin the process, you need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your parents’ behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once you have submitted the requirements and the USCIS approves your petition, your parents can apply for their green cards.
If your parents already lawfully reside in the U.S., you can file Form I-485 to adjust their status to permanent residents. However, if your parents live outside the U.S., the process takes place through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
While the filing process is standardized, specific factors can influence the timeline or outcome of a petition.
What issues can you encounter during the petition process?
As part of the petition process, you must first demonstrate your ability to support your parents financially. This is to ensure that your parents will not become a public charge.
You may also encounter complications if your parents have prior immigration violations or past criminal history, as these can trigger inadmissibility rules. For example, a previous visa overstay can make the process more complex and may require additional legal steps.
Because every family’s immigration history is unique, the requirements for a successful petition can vary significantly. If you are considering bringing your parents to the U.S., working with legal counsel can help you identify and address potential hurdles early.]]>