In California and across the country, most kidnappings of children involve not hardened criminals or ransom demands but instead one parent keeping the other from child custody or visitation. When a non-custodial parent takes a child without permission inside the United States, the situation can already be complex and volatile. This may be compounded if an international relationship is involved. In an increasingly global world, many people have partners who have multiple nationalities or primary citizenship outside the United States. People may even enter a relationship or have children while living away from home on a work assignment or educational program.
How to deal with toxic parents
Trying to raise a child with a toxic former spouse may be difficult for parents in California and elsewhere. However, there are a variety of strategies that a person may use to make doing so easier. For instance, it is important to accept that no one can force the child's other parent to change his or her ways. All a parent can do is change how he or she handles a given situation.
Gender bias in custody cases
When parents in California divorce, one major consideration is child custody. If there is conflict over where the kids should live, parents may seek mediation or other efforts to come to an agreement. When these efforts fail, the courts may have to determine what is in the best interests of the children. Many people believe that the courts are unfairly biased against fathers in custody cases.
How approaches to custody have changed over the years
When parents in California get a divorce, they may need to reach an agreement on child custody. It is increasingly common for parents to use mediation to create this agreement instead of going to court. A custody agreement addresses both legal and physical custody. The former refers to which parent will have the right to make decisions about the child's health care, education, religion and other major issues. The latter is about where the child will live.
Good records can lead to custody rights
The right documentation can help a California parent win custody of his or her children. For instance, phone call logs can help a noncustodial parent show that there was an effort made to stay in touch with a son or daughter. Alternatively, a noncustodial parent could use phone or similar records to allege that the custodial parent made it difficult or impossible to contact the child. Phone records should indicate how often calls were made and how long they lasted.
Effective co-parenting strategies for divorcing couples
Divorce could be confusing for children, even when their parents reinforce the fact that the decision had nothing to do with them. Following the separation, children often have to spend time with their parents in two separate households. Although it might be challenging for California parents to put their ill feelings for a former spouse aside in the interests of their children, there may be great rewards in store for those who can accomplish it.
Study suggests technology may make divorce easier for kids
There's no denying the fact that parents in California have good reason to be concerned about their kids when it comes to certain aspects of technology. However, a new study suggests social media and texting may actually be beneficial for children looking to stay connected with their parents following a divorce. In order to come to their conclusions, researchers evaluated data from a select group of divorced parents with pre-teen and teen children.
About child custody hearings
Parents in California who have to go to a child custody hearing for the first time may be understandably nervous. However, there are some steps they can take to prepare for the hearing, present an effective case and possibly obtain the child custody terms that they desire.
How to construct a viable parenting plan
Having a thorough plan can make it easier for parents in California and elsewhere to raise their children after a divorce or separation. The plan should prioritize the needs of the children over what may be easier or more convenient for the parents. It should also be flexible enough to account for any scheduling or other changes that occur after it is agreed upon.
Dealing with the holidays after divorce
The holidays are one of the most difficult times for California families going through a divorce. Children as well as their parents will be dealing with a number of difficult emotions that range from anger to sadness. However, parents need to deal with these emotions in a way that allows them to make the children their priority.
