PUJA SACHDEV | March 4, 2025 | Child Custody
California considers a person under 18 years old a minor. A minor has not reached the age of majority. Most states define the age of majority as 18 years old. However, a few states set the age of majority at 19 or 21 years old. Parents serve as the guardians and caregivers for minors. They… read more
PUJA SACHDEV | March 3, 2025 | Child Custody
California’s public policy states that children should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after their relationship ends. Parents are encouraged to share the rights and responsibilities of child-rearing unless this contact would not be in the child’s best interests. For this reason, joint custody is the most common custody arrangement in California. What… read more
Puja Sachdev | January 16, 2025 | Child Custody
Wildfires are an unfortunate reality for many California families, bringing significant challenges. The most recent fires in Pacific Palisades and other areas of Los Angeles County have left devastation in their wake, destroying homes and killing over 20 people. For parents, discussing wildfires with their children can feel daunting, especially when trying to balance honesty… read more
Puja Sachdev | January 6, 2025 | Child Custody
Child custody disputes are among the most contentious family court cases. Parents dispute custody terms for many reasons. One parent may genuinely believe their child would benefit more from their sole custody and care. On the other hand, a parent may dispute custody to hurt their ex-partner or to gain leverage in property distribution and… read more
Puja Sachdev | December 20, 2024 | Child Custody
Custody of a child refers to a person’s right to make decisions for a child (i.e., legal custody) and decide where the child lives (i.e., physical custody). A mother typically has custody of the child after giving birth unless a court intervenes and modifies custody. However, a father does not automatically have custody of their… read more
Puja Sachdev | November 6, 2024 | Child Custody
When parents are involved in a custody battle, a child under 18 can find themselves in a challenging and uncertain situation. With both parents at odds and potentially biased by personal interests or concerns about child support, the child’s well-being may be at risk. In California, family law provides two important roles to ensure the… read more
Puja Sachdev | October 30, 2024 | Child Custody
Halloween is often overlooked as parents negotiate a parenting plan and time-sharing agreement because most parents focus on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays. However, Halloween is a favorite holiday for most kids. It is great fun to dress up and go trick-or-treating. Parents do not want to miss out on these special events. Unfortunately, if you… read more
Puja Sachdev | October 8, 2024 | Child Custody
With marijuana now legal in California, parents entangled in custody disputes are asking a pressing question: How does lighting up impact custody rights? As cannabis becomes a common fixture in daily life, understanding its effect on custody arrangements has never been more crucial. So, can you still smoke weed and maintain custody of your child… read more
Puja Sachdev | October 8, 2024 | Child Custody
Child custody cases have the potential to be dramatic. Though unlikely, there is the potential for drug tests to be used to prove a parent is unfit for custody. There is an argument to be made that a parent who uses alcohol or drugs is unfit to take care of his or her child. A… read more
Puja Sachdev | October 3, 2024 | Child Custody
When we discuss child custody, we often do so in relation to a divorce or legal separation. However, parents do not always get married. They may have one or more children while remaining unmarried. Child custody can be more challenging for non-married couples who decide to end their relationship. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a… read more
