Visiting with your child on a regular basis may be difficult, but don’t give up, there are still ways to spend quality time with your children.

When revising your Parenting Plan:

·     School breaks and summer vacations – alternate with each parent, extend the time

·     Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving – alternate with each parent

·     Transportation methods and costs

·     Less frequent visitation, but longer time increments

Are you dealing with a parent who has moved out of the state?  Contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who can assist you in resolving the legal matter you are dealing with regarding long-distance visitation – who can help you establish a workable visitation schedule, seek a modification of visitation due to relocation, or assist you in contesting the proposed schedule.

·     there is abusive behavior

·     failed to provide proper care for their child

·     failed to have regular contact

·     has mental problems

·     addicted to alcohol and/or drugs

·     is or was incarcerated

Parties trying to prove a parent unfit for custody purposes should make sure they get their facts straight.  The court often awards sole custody to one parent if the other is deemed unfit.  However, if both parents prove to be unfit, the child may be placed in foster care. When a child’s relationship with a parent is severed because that parent is deemed unfit, the child may suffer severe psychological repercussions.  The best interest of the child is the determining factor when placing him or her elsewhere.

If a family member is proving to be an unfit parent and you believe the child should be taken away from him or her, I urge you to contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who can discuss what needs to be done and what’s best for the child.

Those that pay (the payer) want to know exactly how their money is being spent – what does it go towards?  Those that receive (the payee) state that the money pays for everything.  The formula used to determine the amount of child support is taken from Consumer Spending Surveys.  Figured into the calculations are not just the needs of the family, but the wants of the family.  It is unfortunate, but many families spend far more than they can really afford.

California law does not require the parent receiving the child support to account for how the money is being spent.  Child support is ordered on the notion that children are entitled to the same lifestyle after the divorce as they had before the divorce.

If you have questions regarding paying too much child support or not receiving enough, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who can discuss your options with you.  You may be able to file for a modification of the amount you pay or receive.

As a father, you are entitled to visitation rights; it is important to remain close to your child throughout his or her life.  The child’s best interests always come first.  If the mother is unfit, you should seek full custody.

If you are a father having problems with divorce, including your rights as a father, contact a skilled and experienced Orange County Divorce attorney who will make sure your rights as a father are not overlooked, and will fight to make sure you remain in your child’s life today, tomorrow, and always.  Children have two parents and both need to play an active role in their day-to-day activities.

Divorce brings out many emotions in the couple, including confusion, uncertainty and anger.  Unfortunately, some people cannot handle divorce and resort to violence against ex-spouses.  When a divorce involves physical abuse, you do not have to put up with it – there is help for you and your children.

The Department of Justice has determined that domestic violence affects more than 10% of the population in this country – more than 30,000 people.  The same study discovered that women are especially vulnerable to violence from an intimate partner.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, get away from your ex-spouse as quickly as possible.  Once you are safe, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who will help you protect yourself and your children.  No one has the right to put their hands on another individual.

·     Age – if one of the parties is not of legal age of consent

·     Mental incapacity – if a person is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the

      marriage ceremony

·     Incest – a marriage between blood relatives

·     Fraud – criminal history, sexually transmitted disease, cannot produce children

·     Force – cannot be coerced or put under duress

·     Religion – granted by a church

If you believe your marriage should be annulled, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney to discuss if you meet the qualifications required for a California annulment.

The couple consider themselves married.  Most states do not recognize common law marriage and that includes California.  However, California courts do recognize palimony.  If the couple has lived together for several years and then decides to split from each other, he or she may have a right to receive support and/or certain property acquired during the relationship.

If you have any questions regarding common law marriage or any other family issue, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who can answer all of your questions.  Always speak to an attorney to discuss your specific situation.

When a parent does not make payments on time, there are consequences to pay, which include:

·     Jail

·     Revocation of driver’s license

·     Suspension of a professional license

·     Seizure of tax refund

·     Etc.

There are no shortages of deadbeat dads or deadbeat moms in California.  If a party is not paying his or her obligations, then an enforcement motion is filed by the supported spouse.  In addition, the court can and will issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the deadbeat parent.

If your spouse is not sending you child support, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who will discuss your options with you and make sure that your child support payments are made.

Why would a custodial parent want to relocate?  Perhaps it is because of a job offer or because he or she just wants to start a new life. What does this do to the non-custodial parent who will not see the children as often or have time to enjoy a quality relationship with them?

Are you a custodial parent who wants to relocate?  Or, are you a non-custodial parent who opposes the relocation?  Relocations are often presented as parent versus parent.  However, both parents should keep in mind that the best interests of their children must always come first.

If you find yourself in this situation, talk to an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who will offer you reasonable, understanding legal guidance.

According to California Family Code Section 297 a domestic partnership is established when persons meeting the criteria file either a Declaration of Domestic Partnership or a Confidential Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State.  Once the paperwork is filed, a copy will be returned to the couple.

In addition, a domestic partnership can be terminated under provisions outlined in California Family Code Section 299.  The couple needs to file a Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State.  Once filed, it takes six months for the partnership to be terminated.

If you have additional questions regarding domestic partnerships, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding family issues and your future together.