Legal Question in Family Law in California
My ex-wife and i have 50/50 custody of our 15yr old son with no court mandated financial support arrangements. She is now asking that i pay 1/2 of some family therapy that i believe are primarily for her new marriage, however our son has been attending these sessions. Am i legally bound to pay for 1/2 of this expense and do i have a right to ask for copies of these sessions?
There are also other medical "therapy" expenses which i was not consulted in, am i liable for those expenses as well?
Also, my ex-wife, her therapist and my son have made it clear that he wants to live with me. I want the same, however she and her therapist have put an agreement together that I only have him Monday-Friday and she gets him every weekend and every summer. Currently i have him during the weeks and weekends and summers. What are my rights?
1 Answer from Attorneys
The child's best interests trump your parental rights to a certain degree. You have a right to retain an attorney, of course, and they can argue your case in that light. That would be your best chance. You need to read your custody agreement/order, and whether she must receive your permission before seeking treatment. What you are responsible for beyond support should also be spelled out in your agreement as well. More information is available at http://www.ellifritzlaw.com