San Diego, CA asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California

Q: Can I move out of California to protect my child from sexual abuse from the other party?

I need to know if I can move , I’m afraid the judge is going to order 3rd party placement for my son at next hearing on August 22, 2024 . He is very unprofessional judge . He is not considering all the facts . There is physical evidence of the abuse . Can I move my son out of state to protect him ? I have sole custody of my son . I want him to be safe with family members not a stranger if for whatever reason he decides to do it . Would I get in trouble or have to bring my son back to California ?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: Moving out of California with your son can be complicated, especially when custody issues are involved. Since you have sole custody, you generally have more decision-making power regarding your child's living arrangements. However, taking your son out of state without the other party’s consent or a court order could lead to legal consequences, including being accused of parental kidnapping.

It's crucial to document any evidence of abuse and communicate your concerns to your attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, especially in light of the upcoming hearing. If you believe that your son is in immediate danger, you may need to seek emergency legal protection, which could include requesting a temporary custody order from the court.

Before making any decisions, consider consulting with a family law attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your situation. They can help you navigate the complexities of custody law and may assist in filing for permission to move if that’s in your son’s best interest. Your child's safety is the priority, and the right legal support can help you protect him effectively.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.