Child Custody for a Child with Special Needs
Matters of child custody are both legally complex and fraught with emotion, but when a child in a custody dispute has special needs, decisions on custody become an even more demanding challenge to resolve. Deciding on child custody and finding common ground on a parenting schedule for a child who may have a complicated weekly routine for therapies or medical appointments, or who may require a great deal of equipment,…
Read MoreCalifornia Child Custody and Parents Who are Registered Sex Offenders
The objective of California family court in custody cases is always to rule in the best interests of the child. Making decisions on child custody is a weighty and complex matter, with much consideration given to factors including physical custody, legal custody, and parenting time schedules. But when one parent is a registered sex offender, the usual methods of deciding on matters of child custody are no longer relevant. Instead,…
Read MoreAre Mothers Favored in the Child Custody Process?
For divorcing spouses with children, child custody is almost always the most hotly contentious issue in California, even more than child support, spousal support, and property division. No parent relishes the idea of an impartial judge deciding how much time than can spend with their own children. But for fathers, common misconceptions and outdated ideas may intensify this fear. For decades, courts commonly presumed that children were best served by…
Read MoreWhat Happens when a Child Refuses Visitation?
Divorced parents often struggle to enforce their visitation rights. When children get to a certain age, they might get tired of the back-and-forth of shared custody and being sandwiched between different households. When the time comes for the child to exercise their independence more, they might actually refuse to see the other parent. This can be for minor reasons, such as the changing schedules and a different bedroom, or a…
Read MoreIs There a Difference Between Joint Custody and Shared Custody in California?
The states use different terms to describe the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities in divorce, legal separation, and other child custody cases. If you find yourself confused about the legal language California applies to child custody situations, the following may provide some clarity. However, this article is no substitute for the advice of an experienced Los Angeles child custody attorney. Child Custody in California There are two types of…
Read MoreHow to File for Custody in California
Before filing for child custody in California, it is imperative to understand child custody basics in the state and the filing procedure. After reading the following overview, speak with an experienced Los Angeles child custody attorney for advice on applying California’s custody laws to your circumstances. Your attorney can guide you through the filing process step-by-step to achieve the best legal outcome possible in your child custody case. Two Types of Custody…
Read MoreWhat is a 730 Evaluation?
If you and your spouse have minor children and are going through or considering divorce, it is imperative you know about and understand the importance of a 730 evaluation. California family courts use a 730 evaluation as one of its many tools to settle custody and visitation disputes between parents. The courts do so in a way that serves the best interests of the minor children, not necessarily the parents….
Read MoreDo Stepparents Have Visitation Rights?
Although many stepparents consider their stepchildren to be their own children, they do not have the same legal rights as biological parents during a marriage or in the event of a divorce. The only way a stepparent has the same legal rights as a biological parent is if a stepparent adopts their stepchildren. However, it is possible for stepparents to obtain visitation rights upon divorce. The following offers general guidance…
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