5 reasons Why child custody orders are important

By | April 13, 2016

One of the most important features of developing a parenting plan is turning that arrangement into a child custody order.

Divorce Myths: Top 30 Misunderstood California Family Law Principles (Part Two)

By | June 8, 2012

In reviewing readers’ posts on Lawguru.com, I frequently come across questions and comments that reveal misconceptions about California family law legal principles. In an effort to set the record straight on how the state’s family law legal system works, I’ve compiled a list of the top 30 family law myths that I’ve encountered, along with responses I have formulated… Read More »

Raising a Post-Relationship Child: 5 Steps That Will Help

By | February 10, 2012

Parenting relationships for divorced or separated couples can sometimes turn into never-ending battles between mom and dad. In my law practice I’ve encountered many parents who make it clear to me that they wish the other parent would just drop off the face of the earth. Here’s the problem: This wish would be the last thing a child… Read More »

Domestic Violence: Early Defensive Measures are a Must to Protect Yourself and Your Children

By | January 13, 2012

THE GROWING PROBLEM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE A  disturbing trend that unfolded in parts of the Bay Area in the past year was a surge in domestic killings. As reported by Mark Gomez and Sean Webby for the San Jose Mercury News, ten of Santa Clara County’s 55 homicides involved domestic violence, with an additional five related suicides.  This… Read More »

California Courts Redefining Who Counts as a Parent: Could this Change Grandparent and Partner Rights?

By | December 29, 2011

As the definition of family in America expands and shifts, California courts are trying to keep pace by redefining individuals whom the law regards as parents. Judges in recent California cases have moved beyond traditional notions of biology and adoption and have begun at times to assign parental rights to adults with no genetic or legal ties to… Read More »

Parenting During the Holidays: Three Steps to Create the Best Experience

By | November 23, 2011

The end of the year holiday visitation schedule can either result In a peaceful, memorable time for parents and their children, or it can  become a painful  exercise in frustration. I have encountered many families and their parenting arrangements in  my decades as a family law attorney.  Needless to say, I’ve observed the best and worst examples of… Read More »

New CA Restraining Order Law – Will this Law Protect the Children?

By | November 4, 2011

Long Term Restraining Orders Granted as Part of a Criminal Domestic Violence Conviction The good news is that  domestic-violence victims throughout California will be able to obtain long-term protective orders the instant their assailants are criminally convicted, rather than endure a multistep process that can drag on for months. This new law will take effect January 1, 2012.… Read More »

Child Abuse and Child Custody

By | November 2, 2011

Courts take serious their responsibility to protect children. A parent who neglects or abuses a child is almost always seen as unfit to have custody and may even be limited or restricted in visiting with the child. CHILD CUSTODY Any behavior that is detrimental to the health or welfare of the child by those seeking custody will be… Read More »

Don’t Let It Get To This Point: Avoid Increasing Violence in Divorce & Custody Cases

By | October 14, 2011

It is getting to the point that almost every week a tragic attack concerning a child custody or divorce dispute appears in the news. A spouse disputing property and finances falls victim to an assault by the other party. Children are abducted and have been killed by a parent seeking revenge on the other parent.

Budget Buzzkill: Your Vanishing Access to the Family Law Courts

By | October 10, 2011

Unless you were on a remote island for the last two years, you’ve suffered daily inundations of bad news about the state of the economy. California’ s overall unemployment remains over 10% and housing values crushed by the weakened real estate market continues its downward slide. In these hard economic times it can sometimes make good sense to… Read More »