Navigating Child Custody Mediation in California: Putting Your Children First
Child Custody Mediation in California Family Law Courts: Putting Your Children First When you are facing a separation or divorce, the most stressful question is often: “What happens to our children?” In California, the legal system is designed to prioritize the well-being of your kids above all else. Before you ever step into a courtroom… Read More »
Monitored Visitation Price Tag Separating You from Your Children? See What the CA Appellate Case “In re Reyna R.” Means for You
Don’t Let the Price Tag Separate You from Your Children: What “In re Reyna R.” Means for You. Imagine a reality where spending time with your children isn’t a right, but a luxury you have to pay for. This is the heart-wrenching situation many parents face when a family law court orders “professional visitation monitoring.”… Read More »
The Problem With Contempt Claims in Child Custody Matters
I routinely field inquiries from parents who explain that the other parent is not complying with the child custody orders issued by the California Family Law Court and they wish to file a contempt action. I usually try and talk them out of it. Contempts are hard to win. Contempts are quasi-criminal cases because one… Read More »
WILL THE COURT CONSIDER ORDERING A DECREASE IN PARENT’S CUSTODY TIME FOR FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT?
The Court will not order a decrease in custody time as a sanction for failing to pay child support. But, the Court can and does put the hurt on the parent that fails to pay child support in other ways. The Court can order monetary sanctions, and in conjunction with the State and County Government… Read More »
Courts Generally Issue Temporary Restraining Orders Upon Allegations of Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Allegations Generally Result in the California Courts Issuing Temporary Restraining Orders Pending a Hearing. A Permanent Restraining Order Issued After a Hearing Has Profound Effects on Child Custody Under California Law.. Navigating family law matters, particularly when dealing with divorce, paternity, child custody, and the complexities of domestic violence cases in both civil… Read More »
Does Our California Court Still Have Child Custody Jurisdiction Even If I and my Ex Now Live in Different States?
Question: I have a child custody order from the Los Angeles Superior Court. Neither my Ex nor I live in California now. Our children are with me, and I would like to change the custody order. Can I do that in the Court where I live now? We never finished the case in California. No… Read More »
What is a Memorandum of Points and Authorities? Do I Need One in My Child Custody Paperwork?
Question: Do I Need to File a Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Addition to My Responsive Declaration Opposing My Ex’s Request for Child Custody Orders? His lawyer included a memorandum of points and authorities in support of my ex’s request for child custody and visitation/parenting time schedule orders. Answer: You don’t need a memo… Read More »
How to Get the Custody Orders You Desire in a Family Law Court Hearing
How Does One Obtain the Custody Orders One Desires in Family Law Court? What Evidence Should One Present? Hint: It’s Probably Not What You Think… WHAT NOT TO DO: In California Family Law Court, presenting evidence of the other parent’s poor character to support a child custody request is often not advisable for several reasons:… Read More »
How to Present Evidence in a Child Custody Case in California
QUESTION: How do you document your evidence in a child custody case? How do you organize it and present it to the Court? I am currently in a child custody case with my ex. I have numerous text messages and screenshots showing relevant events and facts I believe the judge should consider at our child… Read More »
Can my ex make my 15 year old son remain at a school in a different county if I have sole physical custody?
QUESTION: My ex and I got divorced when my son was 1. Since then, I have remarried and moved to a different county in the same state (California). My ex and I have had joint legal custody, but I have had sole physical custody since the divorce. After 13 years of having physical custody, my… Read More »