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California Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: My ex canceled our daughter's doctor's appointment because she didn't agree she should go. Want to file ex parte..

My ex and I have joint legal and physical custody of our daughter who has had chronic stomach issues for a couple of years now. We have done a lot of testing with our daughter's pediatrician and everything comes back normal so the pediatrician just recommends therapy and says she might have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 25, 2024

In California, when parents with joint legal custody disagree on decisions related to their child's healthcare, either parent can file an ex parte application seeking court intervention. Here's what you should consider:

1. Gather evidence: Collect all relevant medical records,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Me and my girlfriend separated after being together for 9 years. We have to kids and she is refusing to let me see them.

We are not married. One kid is my biological kid and one is not. How do I try to get joint custody of them.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2024

In California, unmarried fathers can seek custody and visitation rights for their children, whether biological or not. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Establish paternity: If you haven't already, establish paternity for your biological child through a voluntary declaration of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Can cps take my kid forbeing in a house we don't live in?

Cps took my child for going I to a house to change my sons diaper, while doing g that the house was hit in a raid. Noone who's name was on the warrent was arrested, just my wife, who showed up afterthe fact, and I were arrested. Ridiculous charges were added on and they took our son. I... View More

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answered on May 17, 2024

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly difficult situation. Having your child removed by CPS must be absolutely heartbreaking.

To answer your question - in general, simply being present in a house you don't reside in should not be grounds for CPS to remove your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: My wife asked me to sign a separation agreement. Should I sign?

My wife has asked me to leave our homestead due to marital issues. She stated it would be a break from each other while going to marital counseling. We have two children under 13 years old and she is letting me still pick them up from school and take them to our homestead (rented) and stay with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2024

In this situation, it is strongly advised that you do not sign the separation agreement without first consulting with a qualified family law attorney who can review the document and advise you on the potential legal implications.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Legal rights: Signing...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: What is mom allowed to do if she has set visitation times and only joint legal?

Mom has set visitation times. And only joint legal. Is she allowed to show up at kids school, and school functions and field trips outside of her appointed times?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2024

In a situation where the mother has set visitation times and joint legal custody, but not joint physical custody, her rights to access the children are typically limited to the agreed-upon visitation schedule. However, the specifics may vary depending on the court order or custody agreement.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: If a subpoena for personal documents is not properly served do I still need to respond? And if so, how do I respond?

I have been served via email with a subpoena to provide my personal bank financial documentation. The forms were filed on 4/26 and the subpoena was served via email to me today 5/8. The date for which I am being asked for documentation is on 5/10 at 8am. I object to providing my personal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2024

Under California law, a subpoena must be properly served to be legally binding. If a subpoena is not properly served, you may not be legally obligated to respond. However, it is generally advisable to provide some form of response to avoid potential legal complications.

In California, a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Hello! I am in Los Angeles. I have been sent an email subpoena for documents with only one day notice. How do I object?

It was filed April 26 and the subpoena is for my personal bank documents. The subpoena asks for me to provide documents by May 10 but I just received the email May 9th. I did not receive any other type of papers or served in any other type of way but email.

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on May 8, 2024

I think you may be confused about what has been served on you. If you are a party to the case, you can be served with a request for production of documents; not a subpoena for production of documents. What may have happened is that you have been sent a copy of a subpoena that was served on your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Hello! I am in Los Angeles. I have been sent an email subpoena for documents with only one day notice. How do I object?

It was filed April 26 and the subpoena is for my personal bank documents. The subpoena asks for me to provide documents by May 10 but I just received the email May 9th. I did not receive any other type of papers or served in any other type of way but email.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2024

Under California law, a subpoena must be properly served to be valid. For a personal records subpoena, service should be made to you personally, to a person at your residence or usual place of business, or by mail together with a proof of service by mail. Email service alone is generally not... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Family Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: I am reaching out regarding urgent legal assistance regarding a matter concerning the welfare of my children.

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to seek urgent legal assistance regarding a matter concerning the welfare of my children.

To provide context, it has recently come to my attention that my children, who were supposed to be in the care of foster parents with the intention... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the deeply concerning situation with your children and the tragic loss of their father. This must be an incredibly distressing and overwhelming time for you.

Based on the details you've shared, it sounds like there may have been serious mishandling of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I was served restraining order two weeks after the order was granted an dooped into thinking she dropped it I have txt

I have text proof of her telling me the court went fine. I had nothing to worry about. She proceeded to live with me for two weeks. She got the court date made it to where I thought she was gonna drop it or get it dropped to a peaceful order instead she got a restraining order for a year. Had me... View More

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answered on May 4, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that you may have grounds to challenge the restraining order. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Gather evidence: Collect all the text messages and any other evidence that shows your ex-partner was living with you and maintaining a normal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: In California, my spouse was granted custody and I was granted supervised visitation. Can I see my child otherwise?

There is no order prohibiting contact with my child, etc. So for example, if I were to run across my child in a public place, could I stop and chat, even though the conversation was outside my supervised visiting hours? Could I have lunch with my child at school, even though no professional... View More

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answered on May 2, 2024

I understand you want to spend more time with your child, but in a custody case where the court has ordered supervised visitation, any contact with your child outside of those scheduled supervised visits would likely be seen as a violation of the court order, even if the order doesn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Parenting time

My ex wants our son every weekend but refuses to have a set schedule of when he will pick up or drop off. His schedule is all over the place. I’ve asked him multiple times that I need a set schedule and even reached out to his lawyer with no luck. I’m PROPER and don’t know what to do. Any... View More

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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with this challenging co-parenting situation. Here are a few suggestions based on the information you provided:

1. Document your attempts to establish a consistent schedule. Keep records of your communications with your ex and their lawyer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: My ex-husband has custody of our children. I recently purchased our daughter a phone. He took it away. Biological

I am the biological mother. I have visits but he does not follow the order. He sends our children when he is ready. Never when I want to take them to church with my parents. Her Grandparents

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing with your ex-husband regarding custody and visitation of your children. Child custody issues can be complex and emotionally challenging. Here's some general information based on California law, but please note that I'm not a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Is joint legal and physical a big ask for the father?

Petitioned for custody in March of 2023

Could not locate respondent so asked judge for service by posting April of 2024

Service by posting currently in place (waiting on posting period to be over)

Would like joint custody (mother as custodial parent)

Mother claims to... View More

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answered on Apr 30, 2024

Under California law, it is not necessarily a "big ask" for a father to seek joint legal and physical custody of a child. California courts generally favor joint custody arrangements when they are in the best interest of the child, and they do not automatically grant sole custody to the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: How do you enforce a verbal / signed custody agreement with both parents - if you never added it to the divorce ?

both parents verbally agreed to a custody agreement, signed a contract that was never notarized.

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Informal and/or oral agreements that are not court orders or part of your entered judgment are not legally enforceable. You can however, obtain new custody orders post-judgment. You can file a Request for Order or you and the other parent can draft and sign a stipulation and order and submit it... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: How do you enforce a verbal / signed custody agreement with both parents - if you never added it to the divorce ?

both parents verbally agreed to a custody agreement, signed a contract that was never notarized.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 30, 2024

In California, a verbal or signed custody agreement that was not notarized or included in the final divorce judgment is not legally enforceable by the court. However, there are a few steps you can take to try to enforce the agreement or establish a legally binding custody arrangement:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: What is my first step for child custody mediation to receive visitation for my child?

The child mother and I will not be able to come to an agreement for visitation.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 29, 2024

In California, your initial step in navigating child custody mediation when you anticipate a disagreement over visitation is to file a request for a custody and visitation order. You can start this process by completing and submitting the required forms, which include the Request for Order form and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: my daughters residence is CA and is now in NC because of a custody order that was filed there, what steps do I take.

My daughter has lived with mother in CA for whole 2 years of life, and now in NC. Does NC have jurisdiction if daughter was in CA the last 6 months.

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answered on Apr 27, 2024

In child custody matters, jurisdiction is determined by the child's "home state." The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which has been adopted by both California and North Carolina, defines the home state as the state where the child has lived with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Would my daughter have been able to be removed fro her home state if a child custody order was filed in another state?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 27, 2024

In general, if a child custody order has been properly filed in one state, it should be respected and enforced in other states, including California, under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). However, there are some important factors to consider:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Is NC out of jurisdiction for removing my daughter without mother’s consent?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 27, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Child custody issues can be complex, especially when multiple states are involved. To provide a helpful response, I would need some additional context:

- Is there an existing court order regarding custody of your daughter? If so, what state...
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