How is Child Neglect Proven?
Child custody in California divorce cases is often the most distressing and emotionally fraught part of the divorce settlement process. When one parent accuses the other of child neglect, the stakes become even higher for all involved in this contentious issue. Because California courts prioritize a child’s best interests in all decisions, the court takes allegations of child neglect in custody cases very seriously. Sadly, many parents make false allegations…
Read MoreDoes a Father Get Visitation if he Does Not Pay Child Support?
When spouses with children divorce in California, child custody and child support are two critical parts of their divorce agreement. Whether spouses agree to terms outside of the courtroom in an uncontested divorce, or a judge decides on the terms of both in a divorce hearing, these two important parts of a divorce judgment are connected, but one does not depend on the other in a California divorce. California family…
Read MoreCustody vs. Legal Guardianship: What are the Differences?
We’ve all heard there’s more than one way to be a parent, but this observation is especially accurate when it comes to legal terminology. Two examples are child custody and legal guardianship. While both terms have similar definitions and the responsibilities that come with both are also comparable, there are distinct differences between custody and legal guardianship. Both are long-term and even lifelong commitments to caregiving and both address a…
Read MoreChild 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…
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