Legal Question in Family Law in California

Short and sweet...

Daughter is 16

I have no legal or physical custody

There is a 12 year court order (FROM CALIFORNIA)

I see and speak to my daughter regularly.

I pay child support.

Found out recently that my ex is planning on moving from Florida back to California (Where I live also). However, she is planning on sending my daughter to Georgia to live with a "friend". My ex has spent the last 12 years on some form of state assistance or another while I have worked hard to build a nice life for myself.

I have the ability to provide a comfortable and stable life for myself and my daughter. I have the desire to take custody of my daughter but will face some resistance from my ex and even my daughter (mainly because she is 16 and thinks she knows it all).

Where to start?


Asked on 12/20/11, 2:47 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Schneider Family Law Center

Short and sweet! File an Order to Show Cause to modify custody and visitation so that it will be heard if possible by the time of the intended move.

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Answered on 12/20/11, 3:45 pm

Mr. Schneider is exactly right. You file an OSC for modification of the existing order. You file in the same court with the same case number as the 12 year old order. You should probably visit the self help center or Family Law Facilitator's office (different names in different counties) at the Family Court in the county of the original order for further assistance.

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Answered on 12/20/11, 4:24 pm


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