Custody

When parents separate, one of the toughest decisions to make is who the child will live with. In California, like many other states, the child's preference can play a significant role in custody decisions. However, rules and guidelines determine how much weight a...

As with most other states, California prohibits custodial parents from denying visitation without a court order. If your custody agreement includes visitation rights, then your coparent has the legal right to spend time with your child.  Nevertheless, California law...

It is not uncommon for parents to deviate from custody orders to some degree after divorce. You might encounter missed pick-up times or communication hiccups. While these incidents can be frustrating, they usually do not throw your entire custody arrangement off...

As a parent, your child's safety is your highest priority. When your ex introduces a new partner into your child's life, feeling apprehensive is natural. If you have reasons to believe this new person might pose a risk to your child, you're not powerless. California...

When the school bell rings, it should signal the start of learning, not the beginning of a parental dispute. As a divorced parent, you may encounter disagreements with your ex-spouse over your child's education, which can be a significant source of tension. Still,...

When it comes to child custody battles, many factors come into play. One aspect that often gets overlooked is the role of finances. While money may not be the sole deciding factor in determining custody, it could certainly influence the outcome. The cost of legal...

The courtroom is not the ideal place to confront the anxieties of unemployment. Still, this is often a reality for many parents in custody battles. Can a parent’s lack of income hinder their ability to be a custodial parent? The best interests of the child primarily...

When your ex fails to pay child support, you might feel tempted to withhold visitation to push them to pay. However, this choice has legal and emotional implications, and it is crucial that you understand them before taking any action. Custodial parents need to follow...

As the saying goes, change is the only constant in life. A time may come when these life changes might affect your child custody agreement with your ex-spouse. While it’s common to file a petition to change the custody order with a judge, you may also settle the...

In California, there is the presumption that divorced parents will automatically have joint custody of their children. While this is often the case, the court can award sole custody whenever it shows this is in the child's best interests. Equal custody sharing does...