Parental alienation is a growing concern in California family courts—especially in high-conflict custody cases. When one parent intentionally undermines the child’s relationship with the other, the long-term emotional harm can be significant. In Stanislaus County, family courts have tools available to address this behavior and protect the best interests of the child. At Scott Mitchell…
Getting pulled over can feel like it comes out of nowhere. One moment, you’re driving—maybe just trying to make it to work or get through a long day on the road—and the next, you’re being handed a citation by a CHP officer on the side of Highway 99 or Interstate 5. It can be frustrating,…
You’re driving home after dinner with friends. Up ahead, red lights flash. An officer signals you to stop. It’s a DUI checkpoint. Maybe you haven’t had anything to drink. Or maybe just one glass of wine. Either way, the question pops into your head: Is this even legal? In California, the answer is yes, but…
If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in California, a DUI arrest can have serious and often career-ending consequences. Unlike regular drivers, CDL holders are held to stricter legal standards, and a conviction can mean losing not just your license, but your livelihood. At Scott Mitchell Law, we understand what’s at stake. Here’s what…
Getting pulled over and cited for a traffic violation—especially while driving through Merced County—can be stressful and even a little overwhelming. Whether you were stopped along Interstate 5 or Highway 99, a citation can feel sudden, frustrating, and sometimes even unfair. You might be asking yourself: “Will this raise my insurance?”“Could I lose my license?”“How…
When you’re facing a child custody dispute in California, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is: Do I really need a lawyer for this? The answer depends on the complexity of your case, your relationship with the other parent, and how comfortable you feel navigating California’s family court system on your own….
Facing overwhelming debt can leave you feeling trapped, anxious, and unsure where to turn. If you’re drowning in credit card bills, medical debt, or facing collection lawsuits, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer the relief you need to reset your finances and get a true fresh start. But Chapter 7 is not a decision to take…
If your child’s health, safety, or emotional well-being is in danger, the court can step in right away—but you must act fast and with clear, documented evidence. Here are examples of situations where emergency custody may be appropriate: In these cases, filing an ex parte request under California Rule of Court 5.151–5.165 may be the…
Life changes—and sometimes, so should your child support order. Whether you’ve lost your job, taken a pay cut, your child’s needs have changed, or your custody schedule looks different than it used to, you might be wondering if it’s time to modify your California child support order. The answer? Maybe. But before you make a…
Navigating a child custody case in California can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to do what’s best for your child. Many parents come to us at Scott Mitchell Law with one main goal: to spend equal time with their children. In many cases, a 50/50 custody timeshare is not only possible but encouraged, as long…
You had a drink or two at your best friend’s party and are now heading home. You’re pretty certain you aren’t over the legal limit, but what if you happen to swerve over the line and get pulled over? Will the officer automatically suspect that you’re driving while intoxicated? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration…
When two people have a child together when they aren’t married, one of the parents must file a paternity action with the court in order to establish who the legal father is. A paternity action is similar to a family law divorce case, to the extent that child custody and child support issues are handled…
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