Some people who are going through a divorce look forward to the day when they don’t ever have to interact; however, that’s not possible for parents who share children. In those cases, the focus has to shift to learning how to minimize the chance of your ex becoming...
Child Custody
What does “best interests of the child” actually mean?
When parents are going through a custody dispute, one phrase tends to come up again and again: “the best interest of the child.” While it sounds simple, many parents are left wondering what the phrase actually means in practice. Custody decisions are rarely based on...
Can custody orders include holiday and vacation schedules?
Child custody orders do more than decide where your child lives. They can also spell out who spends time with your child during holidays, school breaks, and vacations. When you include clear details in your parenting plan, you reduce confusion and set better...
Red flags in a parent’s mental health for custody
Custody disputes can become especially challenging when one parent has mental health concerns. You may worry about how these issues affect your child. You may also wonder how custody could be affected. In California, courts focus on the child’s best interest. They...
How to handle parental alienation without escalating conflict
Parental alienation can occur after divorce. You want to spend time with your child, but notice that the other parent has triggered their distant behavior. While this situation is not a crime in California, the courts see it as a serious misconduct of child custody...
Can a child choose which parent to live with in California?
When parents separate or divorce, one of the hardest questions is where the child will live. Many parents wonder if their child can decide which parent to live with. In California, the answer depends on the child’s age, maturity, and what the court believes is in the...
When should you seek a child custody modification?
As life changes, so do your needs and circumstances. If you're dealing with child custody in California, you may find that your current custody arrangement no longer works for you or your child. It's important to understand when it's time to seek a modification. Child...
How is custody impacted if a parent works overnight shifts?
Balancing child custody can feel tough when your work schedule includes overnight shifts. You might worry that your schedule could affect your custody arrangement or your ability to spend quality time with your child. You still have rights, and courts consider your...
What is the role of a guardian ad litem in custody cases?
In a child custody case, the court often seeks to ensure that a child’s best interests are fully considered. When parents can’t adequately represent these interests, a guardian ad litem (GAL) may be appointed. This individual plays a crucial role in helping the court...
Can mental health concerns affect child custody in California?
Mental health concerns can have a significant impact on custody arrangements. When one parent believes the other’s mental health issues might affect their child’s safety or well-being, they may seek changes to an existing custody order. Courts in California...

