Learn about different Child Custody Arrangements & options (sole, joint, legal vs. physical), factors in custody decisions, and creating a parenting plan.
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,…
California child custody laws for unmarried parents prioritize the child’s best interests, with unmarried mothers typically receiving initial custody by default. Unmarried fathers must establish paternity to gain custodial rights, but both parents can seek joint custody arrangements. Life Change and Custody Concerns: Breaking up is never easy, and for unmarried parents in California, the…