What are the steps I need to take for a step-parent adoption? I'm sure the mother will fight to keep her $70 monthly C.S.

To terminate parental rights, typically the parent has to have no contact with the minor child for a minimum of 1 year. It sounds as though the...

My daughter's father up and moved to Maryland and is not financially supporting her. How do I get full custody of my daughter?

Because you and the father were not married, you will need to file a Paternity action, and also a motion to request custody and visitation orders,...

If you hire an attorney, your attorney will attend on your behalf. You will need to file a declaration to answer the "jurisdictional questions"...

My 16 year old wants to change her last name to her stepdads last name?

To change her name, you need to file a Petition for name change, and it is to be sent out to Father's last known address. I understand that you...

How can a non custodial parent gain custody of a child if the custodial parent is now incapable of caring for the child?

If the custodial parent is on drugs and unable to take care of the minor, you can appear "ex parte" (emergency hearing) to request emergency orders...

My sister left her abusive husband. her and my nephew left California and are in Arizona. can she be charged with kidnapping?

As long as your sister left prior to any divorce proceedings or legal separation proceedings began and there are no custody orders in effect, she...

Can I be held in contempt in California if I keep my son from going to his dads house?

To be in contempt of a court order, you have to meet several "elements." Basically, there has to be a valid and enforceable court order, and it...

Would I need to still have to pay Child Support if I have my children 50% now?

If your child custody hearing did not address child support based on the new custody order, you should immediately file to have this issue heard. ...

If the two of you share joint legal custody, and joint physical custody (i.e., 50/50 equal time with both parents), and you live 75 miles apart,...

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Criminal accusations held against you.

As long as you have the reports from CPS and the police, you can use those in family court for custody hearings. You can always testify and write...