San Diego Family Law Blog
What Rights Do I Have as a Grandparent if My Grandchild’s Parent Is in Jail?
When a parent is suddenly arrested, jailed, or sent to prison, grandparents may be the people who step in to provide stability for the child. But taking care of your grandchild does not mean you have the legal authority to make decisions for them.read more
Can I Get Custody of My Grandchild if Their Parent Is Abusing Drugs or Alcohol?
Watching someone struggle with drugs or alcohol can be extremely difficult. When a parent’s substance use begins putting a child at risk, grandparents face difficult questions.
In California, a parent’s substance abuse can be highly relevant to a child custody case. But parents have priority when it comes to custody of their children. A grandparent seeking custody over a parent’s objection must meet specific legal requirements, which can include demonstrating that remaining in the parent’s custody would be detrimental to the child.read more
What If My Spouse Files for Bankruptcy During or After a San Diego Divorce?
Divorce creates a lot of financial uncertainty. When one spouse files for bankruptcy during or after divorce, the situation can become complicated. Questions may arise about support payments, past-due obligations, property division, and whether a bankruptcy filing can undo financial responsibilities established by a California family court.read more
How Can I Tell If My Spouse Is Hiding Cryptocurrency in Our Divorce? A San Diego Divorce Lawyer Can Help
Cryptocurrency can create a unique challenge during a California divorce. Unlike a traditional investment account, digital assets may be held in private wallets, transferred between exchanges, or moved without producing the types of statements a spouse would normally expect to see.read more
What Documents Should I Keep to Protect My Child in a San Diego Custody Case?
When parents are involved in a custody dispute, emotions can run high. It is natural to want the court to understand everything that has happened. But it’s important to remember that judges focus on credible, objective evidence that helps determine what arrangement serves the best interests of the child.read more
When Mediation Fails in Child Custody Cases: What San Diego Parents Should Do Next
California courts encourage parents to work together whenever possible, and many families successfully resolve custody disagreements through mediation. But serious concerns involving parenting time, legal custody, domestic violence, substance misuse, or chronic communication problems may prevent successful resolution of custody disputes through mediation.read more
How Doctors, Therapists, and Specialists Can Affect Custody Decisions for a Child With Special Needs
When parents disagree about custody arrangements involving a child with special needs, California courts often rely on more than the parents’ testimony alone. Judges frequently turn to medical professionals, therapists, psychologists, educational specialists, and custody evaluators to better understand the child’s unique circumstances and determine what custody arrangement will best serve the child’s needs.read more
Special Needs Custody in San Diego: Who Decides When Parents Can’t Agree?
Parents who share legal custody are expected to work together when making important decisions about their child’s life. In many cases, that arrangement works reasonably well. But when parents of a child with disabilities disagree about medical treatment, educational services, therapy programs, or other critical issues, conflicts can quickly escalate.read more
Legal Separation vs. Divorce in San Diego: Which is Right For You? An Attorney Breaks Down the Options
When a marriage reaches a difficult point, many couples assume divorce is the only available legal option. But under California law, legal separation provides an alternative path that could be right for your family.read more
What Does “Best Interests of the Child” Mean for My Custody Case in San Diego?
Under California law, judges are required to make custody and visitation decisions based on what arrangement will best protect the child’s overall well-being. That standard influences every part of the custody process, from temporary custody orders to final parenting plans.read more