Oakland, CA asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California

Q: Keeping a child away from a parent

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you are a victim of someone keeping a child away from a parent, there may be legal options available to you. Here are some steps you can take:

Document the situation: Keep a record of all interactions with the other person, including dates, times, and what was said. If possible, get witness statements from anyone who may have witnessed the situation. This information will be useful if you need to file a complaint or take legal action.

Contact the authorities: If you believe that a child is in danger or being wrongfully kept away from a parent, you may want to contact the authorities. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to contact local law enforcement, child protective services, or both.

Seek legal assistance: If you are a parent who is being wrongfully kept away from your child, you may want to consult with an attorney who can provide guidance on your legal options. Depending on the specific circumstances, you may be able to seek a court order granting you custody or visitation rights.

Consider mediation: If the situation is less urgent and you are interested in resolving the issue outside of court, you may want to consider mediation. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps you and the other person work out a solution that is acceptable to both parties.

It's important to take action to address this situation, both for the well-being of the child and to protect your legal rights. If you have any questions or concerns about the situation, it's a good idea to consult with an attorney who can provide guidance on your specific situation.

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