Child Custody & Child Support

On behalf of Morna Challoner of Challoner Law posted in Child Custody & Child Support on Friday, September 22, 2017. While co-parenting is not always the easiest or most convenience option for parents, it can be beneficial for the child. Many Santa Rosea area families are blended families. Figuring out how to best raise their child when the child's parents are living separate lives can be tricky. However, a new study shows joint custody can have psychological benefits for children. The study examined over 3500 schoolchildren, aged three to five, of three family situations. Like many families today, many of them were living with both parents at home, some were in a joint custody situation and others have a sole custody situation with one parent. It was found that children living in joint physical custody situations experienced similar levels of psychological symptoms to those in intact families and less psychological problems than those living mostly or only with one parent. The study suggests that there are psychological benefits for children in joint physical custody situations, versus sole custody situations. Not all parents are candidates for joint child custody arrangements. But, for those that are, parents should consider joint custody as a legitimate option as it allows the child to have a relationship with both parents, and according to this study, gives them a better psychological standing. Think about letting bygones be bygones in a joint custody arrangement. But, joint custody is not for every family, so it is good to assess one's options thoroughly before making a decision on how to proceed. There is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to child custody. In fact, child custody arrangements are meant to be tailored to the people it affects, like the child and the parents. However, best interests of the child always come first [...]

On behalf of Morna Challoner of Challoner Law posted in Child Custody & Child Support on Friday, November 17, 2017. California child custody arrangements arenot a one-size-fits all scenario. This may or may not be a surprise, but families come in all shapes and sizes these days. To adjust for the different family situations, child custody arrangements have continued to get more creative and thus more child-focused to ensure that the best interests of the child are met. This is why if seeking a child custody agreement or if looking to modify an existing agreement that there is a way to plan for a best case scenario. Maybe oneand their child's parent have a very different parenting styles when it comes to child rearing? Or, maybe one's child has special needs that should be addressed within the custody agreement? Whatever the situation, a child custody arrangement can often help to mitigate some of the 'grey area' that can come up when parents are raising a child from separate households. While it can't always plan for the unexpected, it can help to bring clarity and understanding to both parents by outlining their obligations and responsibilities. At Challoner Law, we know how specific challenges can impact the child custody arrangement process. While we value greatly a solution that is in the best interests of the child, we also understand how important it is for a parent's voice and concerns to be heard. We work to ensure that a child custody arrangement is reached that is acceptable and welcomed by our clients, parents and children alike! While this process may at first feel daunting, try to go into it with the belief that the best child custody outcome will be sought. Whatever the challenges presented to you, your child's parent and the child at the heart [...]

On behalf of Morna Challoner of Challoner Law posted in Child Custody & Child Support on Friday, December 8, 2017. In California a court may make an award of child support if pursuant to a custody case one parent is awarded sole custody and the other is awarded visitation. In such a custodial arrangement the child may live exclusively with one of their parents but still get to see the other during arranged periods of time. If a child is under the sole custody of one parent then it is likely that the other parent will be ordered to pay child support. Child support is an important part of making sure a child has what they need after the relationship between their parents ends. Child support may be applied to a number of child-rearing expenses and the remainder of this post will discuss some of the main categories into which child support funds may be applied. First, child support may be used to provide a child with their day-to-day needs. It may be used to buy food or pay for the rent of the residence when the child lives. It can be used to pay utility bills that heat the child's home, keep their lights on and their water running. Child support can be used to buy a child clothing and shoes, pay their medical expenses as well as the fees that apply to their education. Also, child support may be used to pay for care of the child if the custodial parent works. If a child requires a babysitter or other form of supervision to ensure their safety while the custodial parent is at their job then child support may be used to cover those expenses. Finally, child support may be used to pay for a child's entertainment and extracurricular interests. A parent may [...]

On behalf of Morna Challoner of Challoner Law posted in Child Custody & Child Support on Thursday, December 28, 2017. As 2017 comes to an end families throughout Santa Rosa will come together to celebrate the holidays that are their traditions. While some families may share gifts and meals with the ones they love, others may use their time off from work to travel to distant locations for experiences they would not otherwise be able to share with those that they love. The holidays generally bring togetherness and moments to enjoy time with the special people of their lives. However, a family affected by separation or divorce may not have the opportunity to enjoy these luxuries. Parents who are no longer together may be subject to strict child custody and visitation schedules that prevent them from being with their kids on holidays or being able to travel with them on family vacations when the kids are out of school. The holidays can be an exceptionally hard time on families that have had to endure divorce but they can also be a good time for parents to carefully look at the plans that govern their custodial and visitation rights. When problems arise in custody plans they can be indicators to a parent that changes may be necessary for moving forward without consistent conflict. Challoner Law is a family law firm located in Santa Rosa. The attorneys and staff of the practice are committed to supporting their clients' goals and helping them achieve the divorce, custody and other family law-based outcomes that will serve their needs into the future. Making changes to an existing child custody or visitation plan can be an important part of a parent maintaining their relationship with their child, and the holidays can be an effective time to review modifications that [...]

On behalf of Morna Challoner of Challoner Law posted in Child Custody & Child Support on Sunday, November 17, 2019. The holidays are fast approaching, and that has many divorced parents in California dealing with children who may not be happy with their holiday plans. Custody arrangements can be a big issue this time of year. Children may not be satisfied with whom they have to spend certain days and may request a temporary change to the custody schedule. Should parents bend custody arrangements to make their kids happy for the holidays? First and foremost, no one can tell parents what the best thing is for their family. This, when it comes down to it, is a personal decision. However, it is one that does deserve some serious thought. Reasons to say yes There are a few reasons why changing up holiday custody plans may be appropriate. First, parental plans may change. Maybe it is your turn to have the children this year, but work or other obligations have made it impossible for you to get the time off you need. It happens, and it is okay to be flexible when it does as long as your ex is also willing to be flexible. Second, maybe your child is really struggling to adjust to your new family dynamic, and a temporary change would benefit them. That, too, happens, particularly the first holiday season during or following a divorce. You know your kids, and you know what is best for them. Reasons to say no If you allow your child to dictate when he or she will be with either parent, that gives him or her a lot of power. He or she will learn that the schedule can be adjusted whenever he or she wants. This may result in: One parent feeling alienated [...]