When parents separate or divorce, one of the most difficult situations can arise when one parent wants to move away with the children. A new job, remarriage, or family support may motivate the move. But for the other parent, relocation could mean longer drives, fewer visits, and major disruptions to an established parenting schedule. California…
Losing a job, experiencing a reduction in income, or taking on new financial responsibilities can make an existing child support order difficult to afford. Many California parents assume that if their financial circumstances change, a judge can later reduce the support they owed during those difficult months. Unfortunately, California law places strict limits on retroactive…
One of the most common assumptions parents make about California child support is that a 50/50 custody arrangement eliminates it. It does not. Sharing parenting time equally can significantly affect the amount of child support, but California’s guideline calculation considers more than the custody schedule. The parents’ incomes, tax circumstances, actual timeshare, and certain allowable…
Divorce can bring uncertainty to every aspect of your life, but for many fathers, the greatest concern is maintaining a strong relationship with their children. Questions about custody, parenting time, and decision-making authority can quickly become some of the most emotional and contested issues in a divorce. California law recognizes that children generally benefit from…
When a California family court issues a child custody or visitation order, both parents are expected to follow it. These orders are not suggestions as they are legally enforceable. If one parent repeatedly refuses to comply, the other parent may have legal options to enforce the order, including asking the court to hold the non-compliant…
For unmarried fathers, having a biological relationship with a child doesn’t automatically guarantee legal parenting rights. In California, paternity often must be legally established before a father can seek custody, visitation, or other parental rights. Many fathers are surprised to learn that until paternity is legally recognized, they may have limited authority when it comes…
Many fathers have the legitimate worry when entering a custody dispute that the odds are not in their favor. While this belief is common, it doesn’t accurately reflect how California state law operates when it comes to dealing with these matters. Under California law, fathers and mothers usually have equal legal rights when it comes…
Child custody disputes don’t always naturally flow through the typical court process. In some situations, a parent may think immediate action is necessary to protect a child’s safety or to prevent serious harm. When emergencies happen, California courts can allow parents to request what’s known as an ex parte order related to custody. Since these…
Finding out that an ex wants to move away with the children is one of the most stressful circumstances surrounding a custody dispute. Whether the relocation involves another city, another state, or even another country, these can all significantly impact a parent’s relationship with their child. In California, move-away cases can become highly contested because…
