Resolving High-Conflict Child Custody Cases

At Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP, we are proud to provide parents with stellar legal representation in any county throughout the Bay Area. In high-conflict custody cases, our lawyers have the unique ability to go from the most amicable setting to the most complex litigation setting without losing momentum or compromising our clients’ best interests.

We are known as a trial firm, yet our attorneys also have the skill to settle sophisticated disputes outside the courtroom. Clients appreciate the fact that we can often find creative solutions to the most intricate problems. Our attorneys and staff have the knowledge and resources to handle contested custody and visitation matters from beginning to end, regardless of the method of resolution: Litigation, mediation, collaborative law or private judging.

Child Custody Evaluations In California

A custody evaluation, often called a 730 evaluation, is conducted upon order of a California family court judge. The goal of the evaluation is to determine the best interests of the child, and how the custody and visitation arrangements can best protect those interests. A 730 evaluation is often needed when there are allegations or concerns related to:

• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Child neglect or abuse
• Mental health issues
• A proposed relocation
• A child rejecting or refusing visitation with the other parent
• Questionable parenting practices

The evaluator may be a licensed social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist or another mental health professional. He or she is responsible for compiling and submitting a report to the court that outlines his or her recommended custody arrangement.

Interference With Custody Or Visitation

Often, conflict arises when one parent fails to follow court orders. For example, one parent may mistakenly believe that if the other does not pay child support on time, it is acceptable to withhold visitation time. This is not true.

In other instances, interference is much more subtle. One parent may repeatedly schedule fun events — such as sleepovers with friends or baseball games — on the other parent’s weekend with the kids. Because the other parent doesn’t want to deprive his or her children, he or she is pressured into giving up that scheduled parenting time.

Parental Abductions And International Custody Issues

If one parent removes the child from the state or country in violation of the court’s order, it can count as child abduction. Our law firm is available to advise clients in cases that cross state lines or that involve the Hague Convention (crossing international lines).

To learn more about our unique skill in high-conflict custody cases, contact Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP in Menlo Park or San Ramon today.