Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: I took my children out of state

There is a law called the Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction Act, which is observed both in Ca and Utah. If you have been here with the children for 3 or more months, the Ut courts may take jurisdiction. You need to talk to an attorney immediately to avoid having the Ca courts have jurisdiction.

Re: I took my children out of state

Those questions are more complex than you may realize. The court cannot order you to move back to California, however, it may order you to return the children to California. It was not illegal to take the children out of state, however, that you did take the children out of state without consent or a court order will be a mark against you. It is one of many factors that the court will consider. If your children are important to you, I strongly suggest that you get an attorney who is experienced in move-away issues. You cannot afford not to have an attorney. Good Luck, Pat McCrary

Re: I took my children out of state

You need to contact an attorney in California to respond to his court action. If he was abusive you may be justified in moving to Utah. The court in California needs to be made aware of the Utah custody order. If you do not respond to the California action an order that is adverse to you will be entered against you.