Q: Registration of out of state order. As in any order with a an upcoming hearing date or order as in a judgement?

A: In California, when you're considering registering an out-of-state order, particularly with regards to custody and visitation judgments, it's the finalized judgment that established your visitation rights you would need to register. This would be the initial judgment that granted you visitation rights. The contempt and enforcement order, being an ongoing matter, cannot be registered in the same manner until it reaches a conclusion. Registering your visitation judgment in California will help enforce your rights in that state.

To address the issue of the other parent relocating across state lines without court approval and withholding the children, you would need to file a petition in a California court once you have registered your out-of-state order. This legal action can help you raise these concerns formally. In your petition, you can outline the unauthorized relocation, the concealment of the children, and the resulting financial and emotional harm you have experienced. It's important to provide as much evidence as possible to support your claims.

For the financial damages and emotional distress you've suffered, including loss of work and the emotional impact of being separated from your children, you may also consider consulting with an attorney about the possibility of filing for damages. While family courts primarily deal with custody and visitation rights, a separate civil action might be necessary to seek compensation for your losses. Gathering documentation of your efforts to locate your children, any communication with the other parent, and records of your financial losses will be crucial in pursuing this course of action.