What “Full Custody” Really Means and How to Fight for It
Custody battles are more than legal jargon—they're about preserving the moments that matter most. From bedtime routines to school pickups, everything changes when your time with your child is on the line. After divorce, terms like physical, legal, joint, and sole custody can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down what “full custody” really means—and how to fight for the parenting time your child deserves.
Balancing Domestic Abuse Allegations and Claims of Parental Alienation
In high-conflict custody battles, courts are increasingly forced to navigate a difficult balance: how to respond when one parent alleges domestic abuse, while the other accuses them of parental alienation. These emotionally charged cases carry enormous weight—not just for custody outcomes, but for the long-term safety and emotional well-being of children. Understanding how courts handle these competing claims is essential for parents and advocates alike.
Tips For When The Other Parent Takes Your Children to Another State
When your co-parent takes your children to another state without your consent, every moment counts. Courts consider how long a child remains in a new environment when deciding custody, so delays can put your rights at risk. Learn what to do—and what not to do—when facing this high-stakes situation.
What To Do If Your Petition For A Restraining Order Is Denied
If your request for a restraining order was denied, you're not out of options. Learn the most common reasons petitions get rejected—and how to fight back with stronger evidence, legal strategies, or appeals that protect your safety and rights.
Top 7 Misconceptions About Child Support
Think child support is a punishment? Or that it ends when your kid turns 18? Think again. From gender myths to modification misconceptions, we’re breaking down the top 7 misunderstandings about child support—and explaining how Harmony Law can help you protect your child’s financial well-being.
How Heavily Does The Court Consider A Child’s Preference in Custody Decisions?
Does a child get to choose who they live with after a divorce? The answer: not exactly. While a child’s preference matters—especially as they get older—it’s only one of many factors a judge will consider. The court’s main goal is to protect the child’s best interests, not reward the parent with fewer rules or more ice cream.
Navigating Child Custody with a Child on the Autism Spectrum
Custody cases involving children with autism require extra care. From maintaining routines to addressing sensory sensitivities, here’s how to protect your child’s well-being during and after divorce.
Understanding PPR and PAR: Why Child Custody Labels Matter in Shared Parenting
In shared custody cases, the labels Parent of Primary Residence (PPR) and Parent of Alternate Residence (PAR) carry serious legal and financial consequences. Learn how these terms affect child support—and how Harmony Law helps parents reach fair outcomes.
When Is The Best Time To Contact A Family Law Attorney?
Waiting too long to hire a family law attorney can jeopardize your custody case. Learn when and why to seek legal advice—especially during separation or early disputes.
Social Workers: A More Affordable Option to Private Investigators
Hiring a PI for your custody case can be expensive. Discover how social workers offer an affordable, child-centered approach to gathering evidence for court.
Making Dollars and Sense out of Financial Planning During A Child Custody Battle
Learn how to navigate the financial challenges of a child custody battle. From budgeting tips to legal support, this guide helps single parents stay child-focused and financially secure.
New Law Mandates Stricter Oversight Of Court-Ordered Parenting Classes In California
California’s newly enacted AB 3145 law introduces unprecedented oversight of court-ordered parenting classes in child abuse and neglect cases. Prompted by a Los Angeles Times investigation revealing a lack of accountability and measurable outcomes, the law now mandates annual program evaluations and public reporting by the California Department of Social Services.
How Do Judges Prioritize the Best Interests of Children In Child Custody?
How do judges decide what’s truly best for a child in custody battles? From evaluating each parent's involvement and past behavior to considering school proximity and co-parenting potential, judges follow a thorough decision-making process guided by a single principle: the best interests of the child. This article explores what factors influence these decisions and how they’re weighed in real-world family law cases.
Tips to Create a Solid Parenting Plan With the Co-Parent
Struggling to create a parenting plan with an uncooperative co-parent? Learn how a Harmony Law attorney can help you build a solid, legally binding plan—through mediation, negotiation, or litigation—even in high-conflict or no-contact cases.
Questions to Ask A Family Law Attorney During A Consultation
Not all family law attorneys are created equal. Here are 6 essential questions to ask during your consultation to ensure you hire the right advocate for your case—one with the right experience, strategy, communication style, and pricing transparency.