Child Custody Mediation in Court

In California, when parents cannot agree on child custody and visitation arrangements, they are required by law to attend child custody mediation before a judge can decide the case. The purpose of mediation is to help parents resolve disputes in the best interests of the child without the need for a contested court hearing. Relevant…

Child Custody Move Away Cases

Move-away cases arise when a custodial parent wishes to relocate with a child, potentially impacting the other parent’s custodial or visitation rights. These cases are governed primarily by California Family Code § 7501, which gives a parent with sole physical custody the presumptive right to move, subject to the court’s authority to prevent relocation if…

Child Support Law

When parents separate or divorce in California, figuring out how to financially support their children is a huge priority.Child support is not about punishing one parent — it’s about making sure kids get the resources they need to grow up healthy, secure, and thriving.  California’s child support rules are based on statewide guidelines found mostly…

Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships

Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships in California: What You Need to Know In California, domestic partnerships are legally recognized relationships that carry many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriages. Ending a domestic partnership involves a formal legal process called dissolution, governed primarily by the California Family Code §§ 297–299.6. Legal Requirements for Dissolving a…

Divorce Process

Divorce in California is the legal procedure to end a marriage or registered domestic partnership. As a no-fault divorce state, California allows either spouse to file based simply on “irreconcilable differences” without assigning blame. Even though the legal grounds may be simple, the process itself can become complex, especially when important issues such as child…

Domestic Violence Laws in Family Law

Domestic violence is a serious and pervasive issue that can have a profound impact on individuals and families. In California, domestic violence is addressed both criminally and civilly, with specific protections in family law to safeguard victims in situations involving spousal abuse, child abuse, and other forms of intimate partner violence. These protections often take…

Emergency Child Custody Orders

In California, emergency child custody orders—also known as ex parte orders—are designed to protect children from immediate harm or prevent their unlawful removal from the state. These orders are governed by specific provisions in the California Family Code and require a clear demonstration of urgency and necessity.​  Legal Framework for Emergency Custody Orders Family Code…

Enforcement of Family Law Orders

In California, enforcing family law orders—such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division—can be crucial when one party fails to comply with court-ordered obligations. The California Family Code provides various enforcement mechanisms that can help ensure compliance. These enforcement tools are designed to help the courts ensure that both parties adhere to…

Father’s Rights

In California, father’s rights in child custody cases are rooted in the principle of gender neutrality. The state recognizes that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities when it comes to the care and custody of their children. Under California law, a father’s rights are not contingent on marital status; a biological father or a…

Grandparents’ Rights

In California, grandparents’ rights to visitation and custody are not automatically recognized and must be pursued through a legal process. The California Family Code provides a specific framework under which grandparents can seek visitation or custody of their grandchildren, typically in situations where the relationship between the child and their biological parents is strained, or…