San Diego Divorce Attorneys Blog
Blended Families and Divorce in California: Child Custody and Child Support
Blended families experiencing a divorce can face unique challenges when it comes to child custody and support. All the factors normally considered, such as custody arrangements and who pays child support, may not be as straightforward as they seem in standard divorce cases due to the fact that stepparents do not share the same legal responsibilities as biological parents.
At Andrew J. Botros, APC, we want to break down some of the important points when it comes to child custody and support for stepparents. You need answers from how courts view your relationship with your stepchildren to who’s responsible for child support.
You’ve gone through mediation and to court, and there are agreements in place, yet your ex-spouse still isn’t holding up their end of the agreement. When it comes to how to handle child support arrears in California, even though things might seem stressful right now, we can help.
In California, ‘legal separation’ means that a married couple can live independently without fully and formally dissolving their marriage. There are some benefits and disadvantages to obtaining a legal separation. A seasoned attorney who is familiar with legal separation cases can further discuss all options for dissolving a relationship.
A child custody case in California can be an emotionally challenging, legally complex, and stressful process for everyone involved. Although a criminal conviction doesn’t always disqualify a parent from custody or visitation, it’s an important factor that California courts assess carefully. The court’s main goal is to protect the best interest of the child.
When considering filing for a divorce in California, setting yourself up for success right from the start is crucial. You might want to take a few important steps before you file. A knowledgeable California family law attorney who is familiar with divorce matters like yours can be invaluable throughout the entire process.
Spousal support, or alimony, isn’t mandatory following a California divorce. Yet, divorce is a complicated process, and if one partner makes more money than the other, a California court may require alimony payments. Post-divorce settlements may call for spousal support that impacts your finances over the long term. A knowledgeable family law attorney can help discuss specific spousal support requirements in California.
Moving with a child if you’re divorced is no easy task, especially in California. If the parenting plan is permanent, and you are planning to move to another state, you must get permission from the court. Judges take into account a child’s best interests for any decision that affects them, including their relationship with the other parent.
Family violence is terrible, particularly in relation to child custody. Children’s safety and welfare are never weighed against custody claims in California courts. Evidence of abuse can strongly sway these decisions, and, in some cases, limited or monitored visitation is given to the abusive parent.
Divorce can be a tense and painful affair, especially when it’s a high-stakes divorce with disputes over property, child custody, or child support. Mediation can be a solution to litigation, but in California, it’s about getting along and being open. Mediators help divorcing couples reach an agreement that is right for both of them, and the mediation process saves both time and money.
Adoption is a beautiful, transformative experience that enables a person or couple to establish their own families and adopt a child. The legal process for California adoption is complicated, with steps and requirements specific to the kind of adoption you’re looking for. Whether you’re considering domestic, stepparent, or independent adoption, knowing the rules and procedures can make your adoption easier.