If you suspect parental alienation, where one parent manipulates the child to reject the other parent, it is important to document any evidence and consult with an attorney. The court may address parental alienation allegations and take appropriate action to protect the child’s relationship with both parents. It would be prudent and, in some cases, […]Continue reading

No, visitation and child support are separate issues. A parent cannot deny visitation based on non-payment of child support. The court enforces child support through legal channels, and visitation should not be used as leverage.

A child’s preference to live with an adult sibling can be considered by the court under certain circumstances, but it is not automatically determinative. The court’s primary focus is the child’s best interests, and the child’s preference must align with those interests. These types of cases are rare and the basis of the child(ren)’s preference […]Continue reading

Relocation closer to extended family may be a factor considered by the court when determining custody modifications. The court will assess whether the move benefits the child’s well-being and if it is in the child(ren)’s best interest, the court may or may not modify custody arrangements depending on the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

In some circumstances, yes. The court takes domestic violence allegations seriously and considers them when making custody decisions. A parent with a history of domestic violence (especially of recent history) may be denied custody, or limited visitation, or granted supervised visitation to ensure the safety of the child.

If a parent violates a custody order, the other parent can file a motion (Order to Show Cause and Affidavit for Contempt (“OSC”)) for contempt or enforcement with the court. Consequences for the violating parent may include fines, incarceration, modification of custody arrangements, and/or supervised visitation.

A parenting plan is a written agreement (confirmed in a court order) that outlines custody and visitation (Parenting Plan) arrangements between parents. It can include details such as the physical custodial time share terms, the holiday and vacation schedules, the child’s camp and/or extracurricular activity schedule, parental decisionmaking authority, and methods for resolving disputes. Parents […]Continue reading

Yes, mediation is a common method used to resolve child custody disputes in California. It allows parents to work together with a neutral mediator to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on custody and visitation arrangements. To be enforceable, the terms of such an agreement must be confirmed in a Stipulation and Order and/or included in […]Continue reading