How Can Third Persons Affect a California Child Custody Case?

Mon 13th December, 2021 Family Law

When most people think about what factors can influence a child custody case, they only think about elements relating to the parents and the child. However, third persons can often have a substantial impact on the outcome of a custody case in California. If you have questions about how third parties may influence your child custody matter, call or contact the Law Office of Bradley S. Sandler today in Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation of your case.

Who are Third Persons?

The term “third persons,” also referred to as “third parties,” refer to people related to or associated with the parents or the child who have the potential to influence the outcome of a child custody case in California as they can impact the determination of what is in the best interests of the child. There are many different people who may qualify as a third party, including the following:

  • Siblings,
  • Grandparents,
  • Extended family members,
  • Teachers,
  • Religious leaders,
  • Neighbors,
  • Romantic partners, and
  • Known associates

How Can Third Persons Affect a Custody Case?

Third persons can affect a child custody case in many ways. Teachers, religious leaders, and neighbors may all be interviewed by social workers, lawyers, and others involved in the case to help determine the abilities of each parent as well as the welfare of the child. In some cases, they can provide evidence or testimony of possible child abuse or neglect that is occurring with one parent in a custody case.

Family members like siblings, grandparents, and others can also impact a child custody case. While immediate and extended family members do not have the same rights as parents in a California custody case, determining the best interests of the child requires that the court consider the relationships that the child has with these family members. This is particularly true if a grandparent or other family member has cared for the child when one or both parents were unable to.

Finally, romantic partners and other known associates can also be third persons that can have an effect on a child custody case. Anyone that has regular contact with a child, especially if that contact is happening at a parent’s home, is subject to scrutiny in a child custody case. If romantic partners or associates of a parent have criminal records or orders of protection filed against them it could detrimentally impact that parent’s claim for custody. As new relationships and associations form over time, these third parties can also impact a request to modify an existing child custody arrangement. To learn more, talk to our office today.

Call or Contact Us Now

Do you have more questions about how third persons may affect your child custody case in the Los Angeles area? Call the office or contact us today to schedule a consultation of your child custody case with us.

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