Divorce is a major life event on its own, but moving out of state is an even more significant decision. When children are involved, the issue is no longer just a personal one – it becomes a legal one. Under California law, a parent can’t simply move out of state with their child without the…
A criminal record is a huge deal. Having it can make things much more difficult – from finding a job to getting an apartment, or simply moving on with your life. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a life sentence hovering over you forever, as California law allows many people to expunge or seal their…
Many people find themselves in a situation where they have fallen behind on car payments. That can quickly lead to unpleasant consequences, such as vehicle repossession, which could damage your credit and leave you without transportation. One way to go about this is to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition in California. That will immediately…
Filing for bankruptcy can bring relief. But what happens when you’re not the only one responsible for the debt? In California, many people share loans and credit with a spouse, family member, or co-signer. If you file, does the other person still have to pay? The answer depends on the type of bankruptcy and the…
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Stanislaus County, you’re not alone — thousands of drivers are cited each year for speeding, red light violations, and other moving violations. While it may seem easier to simply pay the fine and move on, doing so can come with long-term consequences, especially when it comes to points…
Divorce is never easy—but understanding the legal process in California can help reduce stress, delays, and costly mistakes. At Scott Mitchell Law, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and families navigate divorce in Modesto, Stanislaus County, and throughout California. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, this guide will walk you through the steps, requirements, and…
Parental alienation is a growing concern in California family courts—especially in high-conflict custody cases. When one parent intentionally undermines the child’s relationship with the other, the long-term emotional harm can be significant. In Stanislaus County, family courts have tools available to address this behavior and protect the best interests of the child. At Scott Mitchell…
Getting pulled over can feel like it comes out of nowhere. One moment, you’re driving—maybe just trying to make it to work or get through a long day on the road—and the next, you’re being handed a citation by a CHP officer on the side of Highway 99 or Interstate 5. It can be frustrating,…
You’re driving home after dinner with friends. Up ahead, red lights flash. An officer signals you to stop. It’s a DUI checkpoint. Maybe you haven’t had anything to drink. Or maybe just one glass of wine. Either way, the question pops into your head: Is this even legal? In California, the answer is yes, but…
If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in California, a DUI arrest can have serious and often career-ending consequences. Unlike regular drivers, CDL holders are held to stricter legal standards, and a conviction can mean losing not just your license, but your livelihood. At Scott Mitchell Law, we understand what’s at stake. Here’s what…
Getting pulled over and cited for a traffic violation—especially while driving through Merced County—can be stressful and even a little overwhelming. Whether you were stopped along Interstate 5 or Highway 99, a citation can feel sudden, frustrating, and sometimes even unfair. You might be asking yourself: “Will this raise my insurance?”“Could I lose my license?”“How…
When you’re facing a child custody dispute in California, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is: Do I really need a lawyer for this? The answer depends on the complexity of your case, your relationship with the other parent, and how comfortable you feel navigating California’s family court system on your own….
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