As we bask in June's summer glow, we're thrilled to catch you up on the latest buzz and updates for this month!

Welcome to the June edition of HK Today. This month, we celebrate and acknowledge Pride Month, Juneteenth federal holiday, and emphasize Men's Mental Health Awareness. We hope you enjoy this edition of HK Today and stay tuned for more updates and stories throughout the month.

Erica Silva, Law Clerk

Please join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to Erica Silva, our distinguished Law Clerk on her ascension to Esquire as part of University of San Francisco School of Law's Class of 2024.

Erica joined our firm in May 2023, after completing her second year at University of San Francisco School of Law. Continuing her dedication to excellence and community involvement in law school, Erica has been an active member of the Pride Law Organization, the PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FOUNDATION, and the Women’s Law Association.

Erica’s academic journey began at San Jose State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. While at San Jose State, she was an active member of several societies, including Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political Science Honor Society.

We are thrilled to welcome Erica back as she embarks on this new chapter in her legal career. Congratulations, Erica, on this remarkable achievement!

Pride Month

We believe in equality, diversity, and inclusivity for all individuals and families. As we celebrate Pride Month, we stand proudly with the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for equal rights and supporting every individual's journey towards love and family.

Family is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal services that recognize and respect the unique needs of LGBTQ+ families.

This Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to support, empower and advocate. We celebrate the progress made and recognize the work still to be done. Together, we hope to continue to love, to accept, and to fight for equality for all.

Juneteenth, June 19th

In recognition of Juneteenth, our office closed, Wednesday, June 19th.

This important day commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865, marking a fundamental and significant milestone in our journey toward freedom and equality.

Juneteenth represents the resilience and strength of individuals and families who have endured and overcome systemic oppression. It is a day of recognition, restoration, and celebration. We honor the progress made, acknowledge the work still to be done, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the African American community.

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the varying mental health challenges men face. We know that mental well-being is essential for strong families and positive legal outcomes.

Men often struggle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and higher suicide rates due to societal pressures and stigma. Addressing these issues can make a significant difference in their lives and the lives of their families.

We are committed to promoting open communication, providing resources and connecting clients with mental health professionals, and advocating for fair treatment.

Whether dealing with divorce, custody battles, or domestic violence, supporting men's mental health leads to healthier families and more positive legal outcomes. We hope to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Click here to see our latest articles, including the topics of Who Stays in the Martial Home During Divorce in California, Legal Separation vs. Divorce, and Understanding Spousal Support Mandates:

In California, determining who stays in the marital home during a divorce can be complex. While living separately isn't required for divorce, emotional discomfort often leads to one spouse moving out. 

The decision of who stays can have significant legal implications, especially concerning property rights and financial responsibilities. Both spouses retain ownership stakes in a home purchased during the marriage, regardless of who paid the mortgage. If one spouse owned the home before marriage, it might be considered separate property, affecting who can stay. 

Courts can grant temporary possession of the home to one spouse under Family Code § 6324 if an agreement isn't reached. Moving out doesn't forfeit property rights but requires careful consideration and legal advice to avoid unintended consequences. 

Consulting with an experienced family law attorney is crucial to navigate these issues and protect one's interests. Read our latest article on "Who Gets to Stay in the Marital Home During Divorce in California?" at https://hooverkrepelka.com/marital-home-divorce/

When a couple experiences trouble in their marriage, it may not be immediately clear to them if divorce is the right move. Nevertheless, couples may feel that separation is necessary in the meantime, whether to give them breathing space to chart a path forward or to work out the first step in formally dissolving their legal relationship.

In California, couples who are not ready to divorce—or not eligible to file for divorce due to the state’s residency requirements—have an alternative. A legal separation can provide some of the legal and financial protections of divorce but without its finality.

To understand if a legal separation might be appropriate in a particular situation, it is essential to understand the key differences between the two. Learn more on our latest article at: https://hooverkrepelka.com/legal-separation-or-divorce/

In California, spousal support, also known as alimony, can be required during a legal separation, much like in a divorce. Despite being legally separated, couples remain married but with more financial independence. The criteria for spousal support in a legal separation are similar to those in a divorce.

Factors such as income disparity, the duration of the marriage, and each spouse’s earning capacity play a role in determining the necessity and amount of support. Temporary support may be granted while the case is pending, and permanent support is determined at the case's conclusion, though "permanent" does not necessarily imply indefinite payments.

Spousal support in California is gender-neutral and depends on the financial situations of both parties. Courts consider various circumstances, including the need for education or job training, the impact of time away from the workforce, contributions to the other spouse’s career, age, health, and any history of domestic violence. In marriages lasting ten years or more, courts have indefinite jurisdiction over spousal support decisions, though periods of separation can affect this determination.

Given the complexity of these factors, consulting with a family law attorney is recommended to understand specific obligations and rights during a legal separation. Find out more in our latest article: https://hooverkrepelka.com/pay-spousal-support-separation-california/

Symphony San Jose's 'Remember the Titans'

As proud sponsors of the San Jose Symphony, we are honored to partake in and celebrate the rousing conclusion of an unforgettable 2023/24 season. This season's finale was a musical triumph, featuring the remarkable talents of conductor François López-Ferrer and San Jose’s own Van Cliburn Gold Medalist, pianist Jon Nakamatsu. Their performances brought an extraordinary blend of talent and passion to the stage, captivating the audience with every note. Our staff, neighbors, friends and family members have certainly made musical memories this season.

This final concert was a celebration of the three “M”s: Arturo Márquez, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Gustav Mahler. Márquez’s Danzon No. 2 has delighted audiences worldwide since Gustavo Dudamel featured it during the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra’s 2007 European and American tour. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 gained widespread fame through its use in the movie Elvira Madigan. Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1, known as "Titan," holds intriguing historical significance; Mahler named it after Jean Paul’s great novel, a title used only for its second and third performances. Additionally, Mahler originally included a fifth movement, “Blumine,” which was later removed.

This season finale was not only a testament to the symphony's artistic excellence but also to the vibrant cultural community we support. François López-Ferrer’s masterful conducting and Jon Nakamatsu’s virtuosic piano performance created a dynamic and inspiring conclusion, leaving attendees in awe and marking a triumphant end to an epic season.



We are honored to have supported the San Jose Symphony throughout this extraordinary season and look forward to continuing our partnership in bringing world-class music to our community. Thank you to Robert Massey, Sophie Fenoll, and Beck Engwerda (Muir) for an incredible season.

Rob T.

Gabby Benitez

Emily Hill

Family Giving Tree Backpack Drive

We are a Drive Leader for Family Giving Tree's backpack drive, sponsoring and coordinating donations to provide essential school supplies to students in need, ensuring they have what they need to succeed.

Our Virtual Giving Tree (https://lnkd.in/gZrZP2Ym) is now live until September 5th, 2024, offering a convenient way for our community to participate in the drive.

Since 1995, the Back-to-School drive has aimed to support K-12 students, but there's still more to do. The impact of lacking school supplies goes beyond the classroom, hindering academic progress and confidence. Your support in providing these necessities can bridge this gap and empower students to thrive academically and beyond. Your continued support is crucial in creating a brighter future for all students in our community.

We look forward to sharing our firm updates every month.

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