California Sample Forms of Statements of Decision and
Tentative Decisions In Contested Divorce and Family Law Cases
Here are sample PDF forms of "statements of decision" that were used by some Los Angeles Superior Court judges as recently as 2008, for use in some form of a contested hearing, trial or bifurcated trial, or other evidentiary hearing. You should update and research the cases they cite before relying upon them, to make sure they remain good statements of the law, but since statements of decision can be challenging to draft these provide templates as a starting place if you are asked to draft one by your bench officer. LOL, maybe I can come back and update them myself in the future!
By the way, reviewing these forms are a really useful exercise - whether you are an attorney or a self-represented party - because they give you a frame of reference of what the family court bench officer needs to assess, and can therefore help you to present the evidence that is necessary to succeed in your marital dissolution or family law case.
In the meantime, please use them at your own risk - and remember, our website provides an educational service and we cannot give you legal advice if you are not actual clients of the Palm Springs Law Offices of Thurman W. Arnold!
This statement of decision exemplar is 32 pages and covers all the evidence and findings that are required in the typical child custody case.
This move-away sample statement is an exemplar that is 11 pages long, and covers the findings that are commonly required in the typical relocation context - however, this is one you will likely want to update by reviewing the reported appellate decisions subsequent to 2008 (some of which we've blogged!)
This is a 23 page statement of decision template, which likely needs less attention to updates (your risk, not ours!) and may give you some creative ideas about how to present your contested child support case at trial or a bifurcated proceeding.
This attorney fee findings (statement of decision) is 13 pages. The Family Code has been updated in some important particulars, which we blogged a couples back in our review of the "Elkins" changes. It is a good start, and can be cleaned up and brought current with a little effort.
This is an amazing sample statement of decision on judgment spousal support, and if you find this useful then the quid pro quo we ask is that you go to our Blog and click one of the pages that seeks your support of our efforts, through social media, blah blah, etc.!
This is a 44 page template for the Court to use in dividing marital property and separate property. It is a gem. Please see the comment to the preceding document!
Testimonials & Endorsements
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“Not only is Mr. Peterson’s knowledge of the law beyond measure, he’s able to articulate it so it’s understandable.”
If you are going through a divorce, The Law Offices of Arnold, Peterson & Criste is in my opinion the best option available. Mr. Peterson and his assistant Jordyn are top notch. Not only is Mr. Peterson’s knowledge of the law beyond measure, he’s able to articulate it so it’s understandable. He was able to navigate my emotions and help my uphill battle to receive proper visitation as a father. Jordyn never hesitated to reach out within the same business day if documents were needed or for any question I had about the process. Thanks to the team, we resolved the divorce healthfully. I couldn’t be more grateful.- Josh Arguijo -
“I needed the best analysis and advice possible. I found Attorney Thurman Arnold III in Palm Springs.”
I am a Veteran and Retired Deputy Sheriff. My divorce involved complicated property distribution and spousal support issues. I spent considerable time looking for the best Counsel I could find before I negotiated with my ex-wife and her Attorney. In fact, my case was in another county, but that didn't matter. I needed the best analysis and advice possible. I found Attorney Thurman Arnold III in Palm Springs. Attorney Arnold is a BAR Certified Family Law Specialist. In my humble opinion the best! His review of my case and how "Moore Marsden" property division applied was invaluable. His guidance saved me $30,000 dollars. Thank you, Thurman!- Jeff Jones -
“Mike is adept at managing expectations and being very fair and measured.”
Needed to modify a settlement and hired Mike Peterson. Mike is very, very knowledgeable and experienced. When you are going through a divorce or child custody issues, it is the most terrifying and stressful experience. Mike is adept at managing expectations and being very fair and measured. I wish I had hired him initially to get it all done straight the first time around. He is very responsive and communicative and understands the client well. Good luck going through this process - have a good guide like Mike without a doubt.- Donika McKelvie -
“I would highly recommend him and the firm”
Micheal Peterson is very knowledgeable of law and can help you make the best decisions for your family. He does is job with integrity. He helps with giving discounts when he can . I would highly recommend him and the firm . Very good staff .- Vincent Hall -
“Very professional, honest, and handled everything without a hiccup.”
Arnold, Peterson & Criste are a class act. Very professional, honest, and handled everything without a hiccup. When a year had passed, he and Jordyn contacted me to let me know I still had retainer on the books! I had forgot and they sent me the money anyway! For this I am very grateful and cannot recommend them enough. You won’t go wrong with Thurman Arnold. He is definitely the guy to have on your side.- Matt Feenstra -
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I Highly Recommend Michael C. Peterson at the Law Office of Thurman W. Arnold!!! I hired Michael for my custody case and he is very knowledgeable and took the time to educate me on the process so we can put together a winning strategy. He fought for me and my children in court and successfully won our case. There are no words to describe how grateful and appreciative I am for Michaels service!!! If you are sitting on the fence on which Attorney to hire, do yourself a favor and hire Michael. I would not recommend anyone else!!! Simply the Best of the Best!!!- John and Lukes Tube -
“Mike amazes me by his knowledge of my case, made me feel like I was his only client.”
- Damaris M.I reached out to this law firm 2 years ago when my life was falling apart. My case was assigned to attorney Michael Peterson. I didn't know much about him except few reviews on google but I'm glad I hit the jackpot. Mike amazes me by his knowledge of my case, made me feel like I was his only client. He's very responsive, respectful and and goes above and…
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“He and Michael Peterson are truly masters of their craft.”
When my clients have family law issues, I routinely refer them to Thurman Arnold. He and Michael Peterson are truly masters of their craft. Family law can be an unwieldy beast, but they handle it with precision and finesse.- Edward Cross
