Lawyer Monthly Magazine - February 2020 Edition

Julie McAlarnen How does a judge decide custody during divorce? There are two main underpinnings of the public policy of what the State of California mandate judges consider when deciding custody: 1. Protecting the health, safety and welfare of the child is the Court’s paramount concern; and 2. To ensure frequent and continuing contact with both parents AND to encourage both parents to share the rights and responsibilities of raising a child. What support and evidence are needed to get a judge to rule in your favor? Clearly, judges are left with the Julie McAlarnen’s journey into family law was inspired by her own circumstances as a child. Witnessing her parents’ divorce shaped her decision to specialize in custody litigation, and this month, we speak to her on how to fight for child custody and showcase to the judge you have your child’s best interest at heart. Tips on Gaining Custody During Divorce widest discretion to try and implement the public policies I just referenced, but there are classic types of evidence that usually come up in custody cases, i.e. text messages, the dreaded Our Family Wizard emails, and even communications between one parent and their new significant other. What actions may result in parents losing custody? Any tips or tricks for parents in the middle of child custody litigation? Two main things I always tell my clients: 1. Don’t forget, you are the parent, not your lawyer. In many of my cases, parents are so afraid to “do Contact: Julie McAlarnen Partner, Certified Family Law Specialist KOLODNY LAW GROUP 9100 Wilshire Boulevard Ninth Floor, West Tower Beverly Hills, California 90212 Phone: 310-271-5533 Fax: 310-271-3918 E-Mail: McAlarnen@KolodnyLawGroup.com www.kolodnylawgroup.com 48 WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM | FEB 2020 An InterviewWith