Child Custody

Bitter and extended child custody litigation often leads to parental alienation. While it is not uncommon for parents to have intense feelings of anger, anxiety, and mistrust, over time these feelings typically do go away and both parties settle into a reasonable co-parenting relationship. Parental alienation, on the other hand, occurs when one parent influences a child (that parent is also known as the “alienator”), encouraging them to reject the other parent. In some cases, parental alienation can result in complete rejection of the target parent, even as the reasons…

After a divorce, the thought of seeing your ex at your child’s special events may cause feelings of anger, resentment, and anxiety. From graduations to birthdays to your child’s college experience, you will have plenty of special events that require you and your ex to both attend. The feelings of anger and resentment can be hard to put aside, and may even eat away at you while preparing for these events. While it can be difficult, there are things you can do to make the experience a little less strenuous.…

There are numerous circumstances that may require a custodial parent to relocate post-divorce – from economic reasons to remarriage. When a parent is considering a move, but that move will disrupt their current custody arrangement in a way that may be detrimental to the relationship of the child and other parent, a substantial change in that custody arrangement may be warranted. This is because the courts must always consider the best interests of the child – including timeshare and how each parent is exercising their time with their child. A…

Families experiencing divorce have ongoing hurdles that they must overcome, especially when children are involved. Sometimes, a parent may turn to drugs or alcohol to try and cope with their issues. When this happens, children can be endangered. Under normal circumstances, California law allows both parents time with their children, absent any risk factors such as abuse, neglect or domestic violence. However, abuse of drugs and alcohol can sometimes be hard to prove, even while it compromises the parent’s ability to properly care for their children. If you suspect that…

A move out of state after a child custody case can be complex and difficult to navigate, whether it happens a few months after a divorce or years down the road. In many cases, those involved in out-of-state moves aren’t sure what their rights are, how their parenting plan may change, or even if they are allowed to leave the state in the first place. Can move-away lawyers in Orange County help? Many of the laws and rules regarding California move aways depend upon the type of custody each parent…

Initially hashing out a California child custody case can be long, complex, and extremely heartrending matter. Unfortunately, if one parent makes the decision to move out of state, families may find themselves in another difficult legal and logistical situation involving their children. Whether you are planning a move with or without your children out of state, or whether your spouse is planning a similar move, it is vital that the issue is dealt with in a sensitive and thorough manner, both for the sake of the parents and the children.…

In certain circumstances, the court may award custody of a child to a nonparent over a parent’s objection. Before making an order granting custody to a nonparent over a parent’s objection, the court must make two findings. First, the court must find that granting custody to a parent would be detrimental to the child. Second, the court must find granting custody to the nonparent is required to serve the child’s best interest. So how does a nonparent persuade the court to make these findings? The nonparent must present proof of…