Category Archives: Child Custody Visitation
Will Courts Actually Take Parental Alienation Seriously?
Parental alienation can carry real legal consequences, including major changes to custody orders. But understanding how the law treats these situations is critical if you want to protect both your rights and your child’s well-being. What is Parental Alienation? Parental alienation occurs when one parent actively influences a child to develop fear, hostility, or… Read More »
Effectively Documenting Child Custody Violations in California
When a child custody order is finalized in California, it is not a suggestion. It is a legally binding court order designed to protect the child’s stability and preserve both parents’ legal rights. When one of the co-parents consistently or willfully fails to adhere to the order, it creates real issues. It creates stress… Read More »
The Who, What, When, Where Why of Child Custody Modifications
When a child custody order is finally signed, many parents feel an enormous sense of relief. Even if the outcome was not perfect, there is comfort knowing that a clear plan is now in place that outlines how parenting time, decision-making, and responsibilities will work moving forward. However, things change. Children grow, jobs change,… Read More »
Domestic Violence and Child Custody in California: Understanding the Morales Case and Its Legal Impact
A recent arrest in San Bernardino has put the spotlight on domestic violence and the long-lasting impact it can have on families and children. On the first week of November 2025, a woman arrived injured and terrified at a police station at 2:30 a.m. She reported that her husband, Mr. Morales, had beaten her,… Read More »
School Reports and Child Welfare Services
Understanding how child welfare services (CWS) interact with educators is key for families in California. All too often, parents receive a shocking, dread-inducing call; someone from your child’s school has contacted CWS and reported suspected abuse or neglect. How does this happen? Has there been a mistake? What triggered a report being filed? What… Read More »
Transferring Custody Jurisdiction from California Under the UCCJEA
Following the Court’s decision in C.T. v. Superior Court (2025), Californians were reminded that jurisdiction over a child custody case does not automatically shift when a child and their parents relocate. In C.T., the child’s father moved to Denmark with the child for work, while the Mother resided in Utah. The father argued that… Read More »
Back-to-School: School Choice, Schedules, and Logistics
The end of summer means a return to school. Separated or divorce parents often face unique challenges in ensuring that their children transition into the school year smoothly. From determining who is doing what, where school and extracurriculars will take place, whose work schedule may need to shift – it’s a lot to manage…. Read More »
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 »