Learn about different Child Custody Arrangements & options (sole, joint, legal vs. physical), factors in custody decisions, and creating a parenting plan.
Divorce is never easy. Along with emotional upheaval, there are often tricky financial decisions to navigate. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), over 113,000 divorces were granted in England and Wales in 2022. That’s a lot of people trying to figure out answers to questions like, “Do I need to pay both the…
When a relationship between unmarried partners ends, many questions arise, especially when children are involved. Understanding your rights, especially around custody, property, and financial support, is crucial for navigating this challenging time. Whether you’re a mother or father, there are distinct legal considerations that differ from those of married couples. This article will provide a…
Did you know that in England and Wales, a mother can legally refuse to include a father’s name on their child’s birth certificate if they aren’t married or in a civil partnership? While this might seem like a simple decision, it carries profound legal and emotional consequences for both the father and the child, shaping…
Did you know that nearly 40% of custody disputes are related to parental abduction or the fear of it? When parents separate or divorce, child custody can become one of the most contentious and legally complicated issues to resolve. But what happens when there is no custody agreement, and one parent takes the child without…
Substance use, particularly the use of marijuana, has become a central issue in family law cases as states continue to adjust their legal frameworks. For parents facing custody battles, understanding how substance use can impact custody decisions is crucial. This comprehensive guide will explore the latest developments, expert insights, and statistics to help navigate custody…
In California, family law is built around the principle of maintaining stability and continuity for children and parents in custody and support arrangements. However, life is full of changes, and circumstances may shift in ways that necessitate revisiting existing child custody or support judgments. To modify these agreements, the requesting party must prove there has…
A motion for temporary relief in child custody is a formal legal request for temporary decisions about custody, visitation, and support while the case is pending. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks to resolve and costs $200–$500 in filing fees, plus potential attorney fees. Temporary orders are crucial for maintaining stability during the often lengthy…
Mental health records can be subpoenaed and used in child custody proceedings, but their disclosure is subject to strict legal standards and privacy protections. Courts must balance the need for relevant information against patient confidentiality rights. Mental Health Records in Custody Cases Key Statistics Why Mental Health Records Matter in Custody Cases In child custody…
Having another child can also affect child support, but this is not a guarantee and will vary state by state as well as the financial status of each parent. The best interests of the support-recipient child(ren) will always prevail in court proceedings; therefore, adjustments will focus on retaining their living standards and individual child requirements….
If both unmarried parents are listed on a child’s birth certificate, the mother typically retains primary custody by default in most U.S. states. The father’s presence on the birth certificate establishes paternity but does not automatically grant custody or decision-making rights; these must be pursued through legal channels. According to family law attorney Sarah Williams,…