Do Grandparents Have Rights in California?

Family situations get complicated. Sometimes, parents may choose to withhold grandchildren from their grandparents. Painful emotions like resentment and disappointment strain interfamily relationships. Maybe you used to see your grandchildren every day or once a week. Now, you don’t see them at all. It makes sense for grandparents to feel confused and wondering “Do grandparents […]

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How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody in California

A common reason for someone seeking a divorce in California is domestic violence. The California court system handles thousands of cases involving domestic violence each year. If you are being abused or your child is being abused, call the police and get help immediately to stop the abuse. After p safety for yourself and your […]

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What is a De Facto Parent? 

One of the most contentious and challenging aspects of any family law case is determining custody of the children. California family law judges operate under the principle that joint custody is in the best interest of minor children. Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule. If one or both of the parents of the child […]

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How to Request a Drug Test in Your Child Custody Case

Requesting a drug test can be a particularly useful piece of ammunition in a child custody case, especially if you are seeking full, rather than joint custody. If you know that your former partner is using drugs that could put your child in harm’s way, requesting a drug test can ensure your child stays in […]

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How Can a Father Get Full Custody of Their Child?

It was common for judges to give preference to a mother in divorce cases, especially when the children were young. The “Tender Years Doctrine” favored mothers as the primary caregiver based on outdated general roles. Most states, including California, have stopped using this legal principle. Today, a parent’s gender is not a factor in custody […]

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are Co-Parenting After Custody Battle

It appears that after a long and tense custody battle, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are learning how to co-parent their six children. Several news and entertainment sources, including People, are reporting that the couple and their children have had a lot of family therapy. However, the work has paid off because the couple is […]

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Requesting a Psychological Evaluation in a Child Custody Case

Generally speaking, it is best for all family members when parents can negotiate a mutually agreeable parenting plan. However, even when parents propose a custody plan to the court, the court has the power to revise that plan based on the best interests of the child. A child’s best interest is the overriding concern when […]

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Requesting a Psychological Evaluation in Your Child Custody Case

Divorce and custody disputes can bring out the worst in people. It can also be a catalyst for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can complicate custody when one parent is struggling with psychological issues that could impact how they care for their child. In any custody case, courts make decisions based on […]

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How to Keep Your Kids During a Divorce

One of the most emotional parts of a divorce involves the custody of your children. While there was a time when the law favored mothers in a custody battle, the tendency for the courts today is to issue some form of joint custody. The courts have held that it is typically in the best interest […]

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