Father appealed Jurisdiction and Disposition findings because of improper notice and his absence from those hearings (he was incarcerated locally). After multiple failures to transport father, and without objections to father’s final (and denied) continuance request, the court did the Jurisdiction and Disposition hearings. Read more
David Balandran died from COVID-19 in August 2021. His widow Felicia temporarily moved with their daughters to Arizona. Between September 2021 and May 2023, David's parents (Grandparents) saw the children regularly—multiple times monthly in late 2021, with a gap in March-April 2022 when Felicia was in therapy and O.B. began therapy for anxiety, then resuming monthly through October 2022. Read more
As the summer sun sets (on both the beach and our patience for late filings), we’re wrapping up another summer of hard-fought cases, endless paperwork, and steadfast support of your clients. Read more
As this year comes to a close, I have the privilege of reflecting on my time as Chair of the Family Law Executive Committee. Serving in this role has been both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience. Read more
As June arrives, family law practice across the state shifts with the season. With schools out and summer schedules in full swing, attorneys are often busy navigating modified custody arrangements, coordinating long-distance parenting plans, and addressing time-sensitive filings before families head off on vacation. Read more
As Chair of the CLA Family Law Executive Committee, I’m proud to reflect on the vital work we’ve accomplished together this year—and even more energized by what lies ahead. Read more
DEPENDENCY (current through 05/18/25)By: John Nieman The precise holdings in a given case are bolded. Auther’s note is italicized. B.D. v Sup. Ct. of CCC4/30/25, CA 1/3 A172485https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/A172485.PDF Mother appealed the setting of a Welfare & Institutions (W&I) Code §366.26 hearing. A W&I §366.26 hearing is set when efforts to assist a parent/s to reunify have proven to be inadequate, so a permanent plan such as adoption must be chosen for the child/ren in question. Both findings require clear and… Read more