Life, like parenthood, doesn’t always move in a straight line. Similarly, the circumstances that led to your original child custody agreement may no longer reflect your current reality. Luckily, California courts recognize this, allowing for necessary changes. If you’re wondering whether to file changes to your custody agreement, it’s important to understand the reasons a judge will change custody,...
Continue ReadingChild support is money that one parent pays the other that goes toward a child’s housing, food, clothing, health care, and other needs. So, how is child support calculated? California courts generally apply a statewide formula using both parents’ incomes, their parenting time, and the number of children. In specific, limited circumstances, the court may depart from the formula....
Continue ReadingCustody disputes can be complicated no matter the circumstances. However, matters can feel especially delicate when grandparents seek custody of or wish to maintain some sort of relationship with their grandchildren over the objections of the child’s parents. Nevertheless, doing so is sometimes necessary to protect the interests of your grandchild. While making the decision to seek custody or visitation...
Continue ReadingParents are often overwhelmed by the process of filing for child custody. On top of the emotional burden of divorce or separation, you’re also responsible for navigating a complex legal process to secure your parental rights. When it comes to custody proceedings, even small misunderstandings have serious consequences. Missed deadlines or incorrect documentation can drag out the process and...
Continue ReadingRelocating with children after divorce raises questions about custody and parental rights. In California, a parent cannot relocate a child if the relocation would make the current parenting schedule impossible without either the other parent’s approval or a court order. Courts analyze relocation requests by examining how the move will affect a child’s stability, relationship with both parents, and...
Continue ReadingYour child is everything to you. You want to keep them safe. You want to make sure they are surrounded by good influences, developing bonds with healthy adults who love them and support their growth. But sometimes the person who may be most detrimental to your child is their other parent. So you’re wondering: Can one parent keep a...
Continue ReadingLife after divorce can be challenging, especially for parents trying to navigate the complexities of child support and custody. Circumstances can change—jobs are lost, incomes shift, or a child’s needs evolve. If you’re wondering how to modify child support in California, you’re not alone. Many parents face this situation and feel overwhelmed by the legal process. Pakpour Banks LLP...
Continue ReadingIn California, the best interests of the child are always paramount. The laws are set up to ensure that the child is financially, physically, and emotionally cared for by both parents. If you and your spouse have equal (50/50) custody of your child, you might assume that neither of you has to pay child support to the other. It...
Continue ReadingGoing through a divorce when children are involved can be difficult regardless of the precise circumstances. However, matters can become even more complicated when one party to the divorce is the child’s stepparent. Many wonder whether a step-parent is a legal guardian in California, especially in complex custody situations. Blended families have become quite common in the United States....
Continue ReadingNavigating the end of a relationship is often an emotional and complicated process. And this can be especially true when children are involved. When it comes to obtaining child custody, many parents hope to do so without having to go to court so that they can reduce the time, expense, and stress involved for themselves and their children. You...
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