Category Archives: Child Custody Visitation
Understanding Child Custody Rights for Married and Unmarried Parents in California
California law distinguishes between married and unmarried couples and unmarried couples when it comes to child custody decisions. This article provides a brief overview of this intricate legal issue. Who has Custody of a Child Born Outside of Marriage? When a child is born to an unmarried mother, the mother automatically gains custody. In… Read More »
Summer Plans and Custody Agreements
As parents and kids look forward to the summer months, newly-divorced parents may be looking for some answers: how do we navigate the changing schedules of summer? How do we navigate international travel without the other parent? An optimal time to be pondering these questions is actually prior to the divorce and custody agreements… Read More »
Some Common – and Surprising – Ways Parents Lose Child Custody
There are a countless number of situations or reasons “why” a parent might lose custody of their child. No single article could detail each scenario, but there are some broader ideas and rules in play that you can learn more about and understand. In most cases the courts and the parents involved want both… Read More »
Is There Ever a Time a Parent Can Stop a Child from Seeing their Other Parent?
If your child’s other parent is a danger to the child’s health or safety, there are lawful steps that can be taken to prevent visitation with that parent. However, it is important for parents to remember that unless you are in an extreme circumstance where you must take unilateral action, the proper authorities should… Read More »
I Have Sole Physical Custody – Do I Have to Allow Visitation?
If you have sole physical custody of your child, there is likely a very good reason for that. The courts try to promote the child’s best interests in all circumstances. The fact that one parent has been granted sole physical custody of a child says a great deal. For one reason or another, the… Read More »
Top Ways to Defend Against a Custody Modification Request
It is natural to feel uncertain, or anxious, if you hear whispers that your child’s other parent is going to file a motion to modify custody or visitation of your child or children. It is reasonable to feel this way because modifications to custody and visitation arrangements can have a big impact on you,… Read More »
What is a “De Facto” parent in California?
A parent-child relationship is not limited to the bond between a child born to a biological parent. Often, another figure steps into a child’s life and provides as much (or even more) stability and love to a child than that child’s biological parent. Whether this be a grandparent, family friend, sibling, foster parent, adoptive… Read More »
Handling Extracurricular Activities in California Parenting Plans
Extracurricular activities can be vital to a child’s development, and often the groups or activities children are involved in, and the relationships fostered therein, will impact them their whole lives. However, a divorce can have an impact on the ease of getting your kids through those extracurricular activities. Ex-spouses might disagree or simply not… Read More »
Relocation and Child Custody
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied have, reportedly, finalized their divorce after a very public scandal rocked their eleven-year marriage. The pair had been married for nearly twelve years, share two children together, and had been living in France. No report has been made of either party seeking to move away from the area in… Read More »
What Happens to Child Custody Orders When Kids Turn 18?
The date that children will no longer be beholden to follow the terms of a custody order is not ALWAYS simply the date that the child turns eighteen and gains the legal protections of their adult status. This article highlights some key things for parents to remember about when and how custody orders might… Read More »