If you are a California parent facing an international custody dispute, especially after a co-parent refuses to return your child from overseas, you're not alone.

Are you considering international travel for your child with the other parent? It’s a question many separated or divorced parents face, especially in a world where relatives, opportunities, or work can often take a parent overseas.

Under California law, the appointment of a special master in family court proceedings is governed by statutory authority and procedural guidelines.

The court will appreciate a parent who understands that children have a right to a sense of safety, stability, and love from both parents. Both parents are responsible for learning to coparent effectively.

When making custody and visitation orders, the court considers the child’s health, safety, and welfare. Custody and visitation are tailored to each family based on the dynamics of the parents and the best interest of the child. Custody and visitation orders may look different for everyone. 

Tensions can run high in matters of divorce and child custody. The court wants to reduce conflict as much as possible and promote a good relationship between the parents for the benefit of their child.

Effective September 2024, the California Legislature changed the Guideline Child Support Calculation. The changes include how child support add-ons are allocated between the parties and expands sources of income used to calculate child support. 

At Livingstone Law, APC, our top priority is to ensure the well-being and happiness of the families we represent. Child custody cases can be emotionally challenging for everyone involved, and…

Fam Code § 3044 – Rebutting the presumption that the award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person is detrimental to the best interest of the child

Generally, the standard that the Court uses to determine custody orders is the “best interest of the child” standard. Custody is granted in the following order of preference…