Category Archives: Child Custody Visitation
Working with a Guardian Ad Litem
In child custody cases, the court’s duty and focus is to protect the children’s best interests. When a child custody suit is particularly complex, contentious, or there are serious allegations or concerns, extra steps might be taken to safeguard the children’s best interests. This article is meant to help parents understand the role of… Read More »
Making Medical Decisions for Children After Divorce: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Divorce does not end parenting. When children are involved, it means ex-spouses must continue working together to raise them even when opinions differ. With the rare exception, most parents will be granted joint legal custody of their children. This means both parents will be responsible to make decisions regarding the child’s welfare, which includes… Read More »
Custody Modifications After Arrest – Procedures, Proof, and Potential Defenses
Modifications to child custody arrangements might be sought after such an arrest – indeed, sometimes adjusting a custody arrangement will be necessary, depending on the circumstances. A parent’s arrest, especially if it involves violence, substance abuse, or poses a risk to the child’s safety, can lead the court to reconsider the existing custody arrangement… Read More »
Home Alone: How Young is Too Young in California?
Parents who are navigating custody issues often face the tricky question of when it is legal and safe to leave their child home alone in California. Can your ex leave your 13-year-old alone for a night out? Is it okay to leave your 10-year-old for a quick trip to the store? Can a 13-year-old… Read More »
California’s New Child Custody Law: Firearm Access Now a Key Factor
In a significant development for California family law, courts across the state are now required to consider a parent’s illegal firearm access or ownership when making certain child custody and visitation decisions. This 2025 legal reform demonstrates California’s stance that gun access, even without a history of violence, can create serious risks in contentious… Read More »
Missteps That Can Hurt Child Custody Cases
At the best of times, family life can be contentious. There is a reason the holidays are known for wonder, happiness, cheer – and dread, messy family drama, depression, etc. If family matters can be this complicated at the best of times, imagine what it is like to try to piece together a functioning… Read More »
Custody Modification: What If Your Kids Hate Living with Your Ex? Part II
Part I in this two-part series introduced readers to the basics of custody and when the courts will agree to implement a custody change to an established court-ordered custody agreement. While modifying a child custody agreement is a decision that should not be taken lightly, depending on the circumstances it is an important endeavor…. Read More »
Custody Modification: What If Your Kids Hate Living with Your Ex? Part I
Child custody battles during divorce often become heated and contentious. After a divorce decree and child custody agreement are finalized, it’s not as though those contentious months suddenly never happened. A divorce may mean a clean slate as far as your spousal and romantic relationship is concerned – but if you have children, a… Read More »
When Parents Disagree on Social Media Usage for Their Children
Co-parenting can be challenging, and social media adds another layer of complexity. Parents naturally want to protect their children, but differing opinions on social media access can lead to conflict. Social media can foster connection, community, and learning, but also brings risks. Studies show that it also coincides with a rise in teen mental… Read More »
Enforcing California Child Custody & Visitation Orders
California courts prioritize the child’s best interests when they establish child custody and visitation orders. In determining what will serve the child’s best interests, the courts will consider many factors. This will likely include items such as: The child’s age, The child’s emotional and physical well-being, The child’s relationship with each parent, Any history… Read More »
