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Child Custody Child Support Child Visitation Divorce Family Law

Child Custody Decisions

There are a number of key questions that need to be raised when it comes to child custody rights. There are multiple considerations that need to be made when a court determines a custody ruling. Here are some things you should educate yourself on if you are facing a child custody dispute.

Divorce and Child Custody Decisions

Decisions regarding child custody are usually arrived at through the help of attorneys and mediators or by the court. More specifically, either two parents are able to come to an agreement either through informal settlement negotiations or mediation, or a court (usually a family court judge) needs to decide for them.

Unmarried Parents

Often times custody and visitation rulings can be a more simplified process when a child’s parents are unmarried. This is because the focus can be given to he child custody dispute, rather than being spread across other issues such as division of property and payment of spousal support. In cases with unmarried parents, the family court’s primary consideration is usually identifying the child’s “primary caretaker.”

Non-Parental Child Custody Decisions

Sometimes relatives like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close family friends wish to obtain custody. Often states label these cases “non-parental” or “third-party” custody, or obtaining “guardianship.” Each state has specific statutes regarding these cases. Working with a licensed attorney in your area will help ensure you follow the rules of your state’s court.

 

Source: FindLaw, How Child Custody Decisions Are Made, 2014

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

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Child Custody Child Visitation Divorce Family Law

Child Visitation During the Holidays

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, and the rest of the holidays just peeking ’round the corner, you might be facing the dilemma that comes with coordinating child visitation during this time of year.

Eliminate the Stress of Holiday Child Visitation Schedules

There’s no reason why coordinating your child visitation schedule should add stress to the holiday season. There are some critical steps that need to be taken to ensure a stress-free custody situation. Before the season kicks off, reflect on which holiday is most important – whether it be Kwanza, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, 4th of July, or Easter. There will have to be some form of give-and-take, but if you can prioritize the holidays for yourself you might find you’re willing to negotiate a little easier. If both you and your co-parent value the same holiday the same amount, you should consider trading off the years. If you live close enough, and it’s not going to cause any drama, you might even want to split the day.

Get the Child Visitation Schedule in Writing Ahead of Time

Like most things with the holidays, managing a child visitation schedule closer to the actual holiday can add to the stress. Your child will also want to know where they are spending which holiday. Putting a plan in place far ahead of time, and putting it in writing will ensure that you aren’t deciding, or negotiating, on child visitation right up until the day before. Keep a record of the schedule, especially if you are trading off years for holidays. Having a plan in writing makes it impossible to forget how the holidays were split up the year prior. That way you can put your energy into actually celebrating the holiday, rather than stressing about who will be where.

Working with a Family Law Attorney

If you’re having trouble working with your co-parent on putting together a child visitation schedule, you might want to consider working with a family law attorney that works with child custody issues. Having a go-between can help ease any tension surrounding negotiations, especially when the negotiations revolve around important family moments like the holiday season.

 

For advice on child visitation, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: Our Family Wizard, Coordinating child custody during holidays, 2014

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co

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Child Custody Domestic Violence

Fatal Child Custody Exchange

According to Orange County sheriff’s officials, a Mission Viejo man shot and killed his wife during a child-custody exchange. He then shot himself.

Shooting

Deputies found the bodies of  Scott E. Gimbell, 50, and Linda Sachs Gimbell, 44, of San Clemente, after responding to reports of shots fired at an apartment complex in the 26800 block of La Alameda in Mission Viejo. The bodies were found lying outside Linda’s vehicle in the parking area of the apartment complex. The Gimbels’ 13-year-old and 7 year-old children were also present during the shooting, but were not injured.

Child Custody Dispute

It’s believed that parents were handing off their daughter and son to one another in a custody exchange when the shooting occurred. Allegedly, the two had separated, and were embroiled in a custody dispute. The incident is being handled as a murder-suicide, according to authorities. Investigators believe Scott shot his wife with a handgun before killing himself. Their 13-year-old daughter called 911.

The Gimbel’s

Both Mr. Gimbel and Mrs. Sachs Gimbel had worked in the financial services industry. Mr. Gimbel founded Citywide bank in 1999. By 2005 Citywide was one of the nation’s largest mortgage brokerage firms. She had worked as a sales manager for Deutsche Bank prior to joining Citywide Mortgage Corporation. Linda’s friend, Jamie Melim wrote on Facebook: “My heart aches at the loss of a beautiful friend. She was smart, amazing and sooo funny! She was tragically taken from this world last night. She left behind two young children and a family that absolutely adored her.”

 

For advice on child custody, you need the expert law firm of Divorce Law LA. Schedule a consultation today.

Source: Los Angeles Times, Man fatally shoots wife, then himself during child-custody exchange, November 1, 2014

Divorce Law LA, Esq.

Divorce Law LA

33 S. Catalina Ave. Ste. 202

Pasadena, Ca. 91106

(626) 478-3550

https://bestdivorcelawyer.co