California parents who are facing the end of their marriage may want the best for their children but still find themselves embroiled in some common custody issues. When the process has become contentious, they may have trouble negotiating and sticking to custody, support and visitation agreements. If one or both parents repeatedly violates the terms of the parenting agreement, it may be necessary to use legal sanctions as enforcement.
Preparing for summer activities in light of a parenting plan
California residents have lots of opportunities to enjoy both long and short vacations in their home state, and many destinations offer great fun for families. However, a parent wanting to travel with their children after a divorce may need to start planning several months in advance to ensure that the details are worked out with the other parent. It is advisable to communicate about such plans ahead of the intended travel time to ensure that the other parent can make appropriate accommodations.
Moving forward with a divorce
It is very common for California couples who are thinking about getting a divorce to take a long time to think through all of the potential pros and cons of doing so. This long decision-making process is good because people are sometimes able to work things out and to reconcile before the ultimate decision is made.
Parents with substance abuse issues may retain custody
California couples who are ending their relationship may be interested to hear about a famous case from their home state. In 2015, celebrity Kourtney Kardashian announced that she and her partner Scott Disick would be splitting up, raising the question of which parent might retain custody of their three children. While Disick has a known history of struggles with intoxicants, legal analysts say that this may not necessarily preclude him from continuing to take a role in his children's lives.
Actress Kelly Rutherford in child custody battle
Although a California judge ordered Daniel Giersch, the ex-husband of actress Kelly Rutherford, to bring their children to the state for a custody hearing on June 15, another judge has halted the order. Some claim that the issue is whether California or Monaco has jurisdiction over the case.
Children should be focus of parenting plans
Parenting plans allow exes in California to work out details related to decision-making and time-sharing of their children. It is important that exes work together to develop a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their children. When developing these types of agreements, parents need to make sure to work out different details of their children's upbringing, such as their schooling, diets and medical insurance, so that they do not have questions or arguments later over these important issues.
Changing a child custody court order
California allows family court judges to make legally binding orders setting forth who will have legal and physical custody of a child. That order must be observed until such a time as it is altered or superseded by a new order. It is common for parents and other custodial individuals to renegotiate the terms of their child custody every two or three years.
Basics of parenting plans for child custody
Parents in California who split up will likely need a parenting plan, also known as custody and visitation agreement. Parenting plans cover important issues involving child custody, such as an agreement when children are with which parent as well as details for how decisions will be made about children's welfare, education and other aspects of their lives. A parenting plan is more likely to be beneficial if it is comprehensive and well thought out.
Do not fear the child custody process
While property division issues can be extremely complicated in high-asset divorces, the emotions they elicit sometimes cannot compare to the feelings that come out during child custody disputes. The idea of splitting time with your child with your ex can be very difficult. Before divorcees let their emotions get the best of them, there are a few things to consider.
Study: Heterosexual bias in child custody rulings needs fixing
There have been some big strides made in the United States in the area of same sex relationships. As of today, according to the website ProCon.org, California, 15 other states and the District of Columbia have all legalized same-sex marriage. Illinois is due to become the 17th state this summer.
