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California Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: I have no legal/physical custody. 1hr/wk visitation that I can't get. 6yrs+ 0Contact due to other party. Served chldsprt

I've had no job for close to 8 years now and even though I'm looking for work and applying regularly for postings I have yet to be given work apart from once where I was quickly let go due to negative background check info. I've been married now for 8 years and have 2 other children... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

Under California law, you may be able to modify or even suspend your child support payments due to your current financial situation. To begin, you should file a motion with the court to request a modification of your child support order. In your motion, explain your lack of employment, the length... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I move out of state if I have sole custody

My child father have supervise visit and have to do other tasks in order to visit our son for more than an hour. Since all he does is pay child support and does not visit can I move out of state without it being an issue with the court system?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Under California law, if you have sole custody, you generally have the right to move out of state with your child. However, you must notify the other parent and the court of your intention to relocate. The other parent has the right to contest the move if they believe it will negatively affect... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: What do I do when my 14 year old won’t get on the plane to go back to his father? California case.

Today he found out that, even though his father promised him, he could live here and go to school and will not be with his sister anymore. His father sought to take him back and the judge ruled in his favor on case las (burgess , California “detriment”) As soon as he found out, he destroyed the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2024

Under California law, when a child refuses to return to a parent as ordered by the court, it's essential to address the situation calmly and legally. Since the court has ruled in favor of the father, you are legally obligated to comply with the court's decision. If your son is refusing to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for California on
Q: My son and his ex have verbal agreement for child support and joint custody mom refuses to let him have his visitation.

He pays 150 a week and has proof of paying but mom won't let him see her now that he has a new relationship

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

In California, child support and visitation rights are separate issues. Even if your son is paying child support, the mother cannot legally withhold visitation unless there's a court order permitting it. Your son has the right to see his child according to the agreed-upon custody arrangement,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: is it legal for my ex to refuse to take my rent? ive been living here more than 6 months.

lease is under his name so only he can make the payment. i have cash im offering him. he used the excuse that i owe him money which he offered previously to GIVE (not loan) me to purchase a vehicle which i paid for in cash including my own money. he now is asking for it back and im offering him... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 1, 2024

I understand this is a complex and emotionally challenging situation. Let me break down the legal aspects as best I can based on the information provided:

1. Rent refusal:

It's generally not legal for a landlord to refuse rent payments without proper cause. However, since...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Im an umarried mother from california theres no custody order if we go to texas can fathers family kidnap my child

I am unmarried mother the fathers name is on the birth certificate however there is no custody order and I have taken care of my child from the start. I pay the bills I handle school and I handle all appoinments no one knows of the father in this regard. However he needed a place to stay and he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of the situation and some key points to consider:

1. Legal custody status:

Without a formal custody order, as an unmarried mother in California, you likely have presumptive full custody of your child. However, since the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: I am going through a child custody case with a DVRO against me. Am i allowed a Public Defender ?

Can i request that a person be appointed to represent the children's best interests?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2024

To answer your questions:

1. Public Defender for child custody cases:

In general, you are not automatically entitled to a public defender in a child custody case, as these are typically civil matters, not criminal ones. Public defenders are usually appointed for criminal cases where...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I am separated from my husband(not divorced) am I obligated to let his parents and siblings see my kids?

He left me with two kids one has autism and the other is in process of evaluations. He knew that and he still left me. Now he thinks that because he gives them $500 a month he has all the right to bring his family around meaning his parents and siblings and he says I have to let them see the kids.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's a general response to your situation:

1. Legal obligation: In California, grandparents and other relatives generally don't have automatic visitation rights unless there's a court order. Without a formal custody agreement or court...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I am about to file Sanction against opposing attorney in Divorce case?

Judge ordered OP's attorney serve proposed order for my approval, but she didn't do it. she filed it without my knowledge and judge signed on it. The FOAH contains OP's fabricated orders. I want to request the court to sanction against the attorney directly. As far as I know, Family... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, it appears that the opposing attorney may have violated court procedures by filing a proposed order without serving it to you for approval as directed by the judge. This is a serious matter that could potentially be grounds for sanctions. Here are some... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Is a custody agreement necessary?

We do not have a previous custody agreement. We are working on filing paternity acknowledgment and parentage. My child is 15 and has moved in with his dad. Is an official agreement necessary for anything?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

To answer this question, let's consider a few key points:

1. Legal recognition of parentage:

You mentioned that you're working on filing paternity acknowledgment and parentage. This is an important step, as it establishes legal rights and responsibilities for both...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I married my spouse in India.We are living in USA for the last 13 years. Both are US citizens. Where can I file divorce?

I have two young kids. I work as a preschool teacher. He just quit his job. Our relationship is not healthy. He drinks and abuses on past incidents. He has threatened not to give me half the money he has accumulated after selling his house if I want to divorce. He said he will invest in stocks and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, here's some guidance on your situation:

1. Filing for divorce:

As U.S. citizens living in the USA, you can file for divorce in the state where you currently reside, regardless of where you were married. In this case, since...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Can I get custody/guardianship of my niece?

My niece(2yrs) lives with her mom and dad in maternal grandmothers house. The house is filthy, it has roaches,bed bugs, and rats. The parents constantly argue and my nieces mom throws out my my niece with her dad. Her dad is my brother and he has drug problems. He had a overdose on fentanyl in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 22, 2024

This is a concerning situation, and I understand your worry for your niece's well-being. Based on the information you've provided, here are some steps you might consider:

1. Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all incidents, including dates, times, and specific...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Ex's attorney filed Prop FOAH without my knowledge and the Judge signed it.

We had hearing last week and the Court issued 4 page minute order regarding custody (very detailed) 2 days later. The judge ordered "The RP's counsel is to write Order after Hearing, serve it on the opposition for approval....etc". and I know the Court rule 5.125 and I was waiting... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jun 18, 2024

Immediately file an objection to the proposed FOAH and specify in your objection, the grounds for the objection. Be very clear. Attach a copy of the minute order to your objection (assuming the minute order is different from the proposed FOAH). Since the FOAH has already been signed by the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Ex's attorney filed Prop FOAH without my knowledge and the Judge signed it.

We had hearing last week and the Court issued 4 page minute order regarding custody (very detailed) 2 days later. The judge ordered "The RP's counsel is to write Order after Hearing, serve it on the opposition for approval....etc". and I know the Court rule 5.125 and I was waiting... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it appears that your ex's attorney filed a Proposed Findings and Order After Hearing (FOAH) without your knowledge, and the judge signed it, even though the content of the proposed order was modified and differed from the court's minute order. In... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: I have a restraining order giving me full custody and 1 hour weekly supervised visits with an LMFT or LCSW.

The order was made January of last year and visits started in August I believe and they’re with a facility that does not employ either of the licensed workers the judge ordered. Do I need to continue visits or wait till he finds the right supervisor

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

In this situation, it's important to follow the specific terms of the restraining order and custody arrangement. If the court order explicitly states that the supervised visits must be with an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), and the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: I would like to change my children's last name and file for sole custody due to parent abandonment.

The father is claiming he is homeless. I previously filed for child support and sole custody but I don't believe the filing was ever made official and put into effect. I would like to find out if proving parent abandonment automatically terminates the father's rights. I was previously... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jun 17, 2024

"I previously filed for child support and sole custody but I don't believe the filing was ever made official and put into effect" - filing a petition for custody and support, without filing anything else, will not result in you getting any court orders. Your case may still be open.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: I would like to change my children's last name and file for sole custody due to parent abandonment.

The father is claiming he is homeless. I previously filed for child support and sole custody but I don't believe the filing was ever made official and put into effect. I would like to find out if proving parent abandonment automatically terminates the father's rights. I was previously... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

In California, proving parental abandonment does not automatically terminate the father's parental rights. Termination of parental rights is a separate legal process from seeking sole custody and changing your children's last name. Here's some information on each of these matters:... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Seeking Court Order for Child’s Screen Time and Sleep Schedule?

I am seeking advice on obtaining a court order for the following conditions concerning my 4-year-old autistic child due to concerns about my ex-spouse’s smartphone addiction. so, can I request these order below during the next RFOMOD custody hearing:

1) Limit exposure to mobile devices to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

In California, courts make decisions about child custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child. When a child has special needs, such as autism, the court will consider those needs when making orders.

To request the specific orders you mentioned during a Request for Order...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Court order for child's screen time/sleep due to co-parent's smartphone addiction?

We have 50/50 custody (3-4-4-3 schedule) of our 4-year-old child with my ex. I am deeply concerned about my ex's serious smartphone game addiction, which negatively impacts our child's sleep and overall well-being. Ex has promoted the child to play smartphone game for easier parenting for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 16, 2024

Under California law, the court's primary concern in child custody cases is the best interests of the child. This includes ensuring that the child has a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, which can be negatively impacted by excessive screen time or inadequate sleep.

While there...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Court order for child's screen time/sleep due to co-parent's smartphone addiction?

We have 50/50 custody (3-4-4-3 schedule) of our 4-year-old child with my ex. I am deeply concerned about my ex's serious smartphone game addiction, which negatively impacts our child's sleep and overall well-being. Ex has promoted the child to play smartphone game for easier parenting for... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jun 16, 2024

There is no "device" you can use to monitor the child's sleep. You can get court orders however regarding a 4-year-old's use of a smart phone all together, regarding bedtime, and regarding bedtime routines, and regarding time spent on the smart phone whether playing games or... View More

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