Parental Kidnapping and Its Impact on Child Custody in California

Parental kidnapping is a deeply emotional and legally complex issue, especially in custody disputes. In California, the law takes such incidents seriously, and the consequences for the abducting parent can be severe. Understanding what constitutes parental kidnapping—and how it affects child custody rights is critical for any parent involved in a custody case. What Is Parental Kidnapping? Parental kidnapping occurs when one parent takes, hides, or keeps a child from the other parent witho...
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Proving the Best Interests of the Child in California

When California family courts make decisions about custody and visitation, one guiding principle shapes every ruling: the best interests of the child. While each family situation is unique, California law provides a framework that judges must follow to determine what arrangement will serve a child’s health, safety, and overall well-being. Understanding how courts analyze these cases and how parents can present evidence can be crucial in custody disputes. What “Best Interests of the Child” Me...
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How to Get Sole Custody of a Child in California

Determining custody of your child can be a stressful time. While the state of California prefers joint custody which allows the child to spend time with each parent, sometimes sole custody is what is best for the child. A child custody attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure the best interests of your child are represented. Physical vs. Legal Custody There are two types of custody in California: physical and legal. Physical custody refers to who the child lives with. Legal c...
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How to Determine What is the “Best Interest of the Child” as to Custody Under California Family Law

In California, the determination of the best interests of the child in custody cases is governed by several statutes and case law principles. The primary legal standard is the "best interest of the child" standard, which allows the court wide discretion to choose a parenting plan that serves the child's best interests In re Marriage of Burgess, 13 Cal.4th 25 (1996)) Factors to Determine, “Best Interest of the Child”.  Key factors that the court must consider in determining the best i...
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