28Feb 2022 by Pat Geddie
Can Your Child Choose Where They Live?

Can Your Child Choose Where They Live?

Child Custody
When you are facing a custody determination, your child might have opinions about where they want to live. Will the court listen to your child? How much does their opinion matter? The answer is that it depends on the situation. First, the court will always listen to the opinion of a 14-year-old child or older and take it into consideration. A younger child might be heard if the court believes they are of sufficient age and maturity to form and voice their opinion. However, just because a child chooses one parent’s home over the other does NOT mean the court will automatically go along with it. Custody decisions involve many factors, all of which focus on the best interests of the child. In general, California law sets out that joint…
Read More
27Jan 2022 by Pat Geddie
Can You Move With Your Child?

Can You Move With Your Child?

Child Custody
In a nutshell, yes, a custodial parent might be able to move with a child. There are some important requirements and limitations, however, as well as many things to consider. For example, the situation becomes more complicated if you are moving far away or if the other parent opposes the move. Communicating with Your Ex If you and your ex were able to agree on custody without going to trial (which many couples are), then a good place to start might be discussing your situation with them. If you need to move closer to a sick family member or get a great new job, it doesn’t hurt to see what the other parent thinks first. Good communication is going to make things smoother, if it is possible. The Custodial Parent…
Read More