California parents typically want to do right by their children. In some cases, that may mean making difficult decisions that could affect their children for the rest of their lives. For example, if one parent believes that the other parent should not have custody in a divorce, child custody disputes could arise.
Making child custody decisions is not always easy
Getting a divorce can easily become one of the most complicated processes in any California resident's life. If a person has children, his or her main focus may be on reaching certain child custody outcomes. Of course, it is easy for this topic of divorce to become heated and potentially turn into a dispute.
Mental health concerns could cause child custody conflict
Most California parents would do anything they deemed necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. In some cases, a parent may feel it is best if the children spend less time with their other parent, which is an issue that commonly comes up during child custody disputes. Though joint custody is more often considered best for the children involved, many divorces become contentious over custody matters.
Factors that influence the outcome of child custody disputes
The divorce or separation of California parents can be hard on every member of their family. However, when it comes to determining where their kids will live and how they will be cared for, parents should know that there are several important factors that courts will evaluate.
Judges can consider earning capacity instead of income
Like other states, California family courts usually determine child support based on each parent's income. As a previous post on this blog discussed, determining each parent's income is not always simply a matter of comparing paychecks or tax returns.
What is considered when determining net income for child support?
Parents in California must concern themselves with many aspects of their children's lives. They need to ensure that their medical needs are met, ensure they are receiving an education, schedule activities that their children enjoy and many other aspects of their lives. They also must provide for them financially. At a basic level this includes providing food, clothing and shelter, but there are many other costs that parents must pay for their children. This responsibility is true for all parents as well.
