Family law in California is a complex affair, and parents locked in a divorce or child custody battle need to be particularly knowledgeable of the laws and regulations surrounding child custody in order to ensure that they avoid future problems. This article covers three reasons that could cause you to lose child custody in California.

Child Neglect

Child neglect is a bit different from child abuse in that It needs to stem from a place of inaction. In other words, if a parent fails to act in a manner that ensures his/her child is properly fed and clothed, he/she could be accused of child neglect.

Neglect can be committed by anyone, whether it is an older relative who isn’t as on top of the child’s needs as he/she should be, or a parent who ignores the neglectful conditions in a child’s life. Nevertheless, neglect can be a reason for losing custody of a child, as parents need to ensure the well-being of their child.

False Allegations of Child Abuse

In addition, making false allegations of child abuse can also cause a parent to lose custody of his/her child. Courts in California do not take false claims lightly, and this is no different when the conflict at hand involves claims of child abuse. If a parent is found guilty of making false allegations, he/she could very well lose custody of their child.

Parental Alienation

This one is a surprise to many. Knowingly alienating a child from his/her parent gives that parent legal ground to pursue legal action in response to the alienation. Parental alienation can be tricky to prove, but a skilled attorney can help you formulate a strategy if you believe that you have been alienated from your child. In addition, parents and other individuals should avoid intentionally alienating a child from a parent as it can have serious legal and personal consequences.

These are just some examples of how a parent could lose custody of their child in California. To learn more, and to speak to the divorce and family law experts at Rubin & Levavi, P.C., call us at (415) 564-2776 today.