How long can a judge take to make a ruling in a child custody case?
340194
My understanding and work experience has been "it depends on the circumstances".  If both parties are in agreement, it can go very smoothly and I've seen a response back in 1-2 days.  Other times, when the case is rough, it has been know to take longer -  up to a week.
1034885
It really depends on your state statutes.\n\nBut generally it can take as little as a few weeks to a couple years.\n\nBe sure to answer the summons so they do not get a default judgment against you.\n\nLearn your rights, learn how to fight a law suit.\n\nIf you are not up to fighting on your own, get a lawyer. But I would still recommend that you learn your rights.
322454
It depends on your state (laws, policy, and practice).  In our state, we DO an investigation after receiving a report.  If maltreatment is found and the children are determined to be unsafe, we first ask for the parents to identify a safety resource (family or friend that can temporarily keep the children until children are determined to be safe).  If a safety resource can't be provided or if the parents cannot be located, only then will the state seek custody.  At that time, there will be a 3 day hearing that takes place somewhere between immediately and up to 3 days in which the court will determine whether the children should be in custody or not.  The parents go to this hearing.  If the judge does find that the children should stay in custody, there will be a 10 day hearing (also known as the adjudicatory hearing where the full evidence is heard).  At this time, the parents (and legal representatives) also appear, and the judge will make a determination.  As I said, it differs state to state, but call the local social services office and ask what your rights are as far as hearings, etc.  We notify our parents (so long as we know where to locate them), as it is important for their side to also be heard.  If we cannot locate the parents and take custody, it is still our responsibility to at least attempt to locate the parents daily.  Hope this helps!
268166
could be depending on the situation, how long the child has been in the family...and how good of a lawyer you have
237214
You will have to go through a mediator and not the courts. If you want it to end quickly then you both have to agree on everything including custody of your children.
765970
I agree with you completely.I never had to go through custody hearings myself,as my ex just dropped off the face of the earth.But,I went through this process with my best friend.It went on for years.Her husband was a wife and child abuser with numerous police reports files on him.He always said he would kill them all if they left.Finally,after he raised a shovel to hit one of his children with it and my friend stepped in instead,she finally had the good sense to leave this man.It was always used against her in court that she took her children and ran and he didn't know where they were for about a week.HE ended up getting custody of both of these children after years and years of fighting.Very sad,both of these children are now on medication for mental problems.I just couldn't believe just where these judges heads were.I think he was given priority because he was in the military,but these children's lives were ruined by the stupid decision of all of these judges,and over the years there were more than one.Why a judge would give custody of two little girls to a known abuser is beyond me.They should be held accountable for their decisions,especially when the outcome should be obvious to any normal person.
767576
Having custody means the children reside with someone else, that person is responsible in making all the decisions for the children and do not need to consult with the parents, even though the parents may still have their parental rights.  HOWEVER, if those children are left in the custody of whoever it is for a lengthy period of time, a judge may use his/her own discretion in allowing the parental rights to be taken away and the children be allowed to be adopted by the custodial parents.  \n\nEvery situation is different honey and if these are your children we are talking about, make the changes the courts are requiring you to make.  When you think you've done enough, do some more.  These are your children and you need to do right by them...before it's too late...because you can lose your parental rights in a situation like this VERY easily.  I've seen it happen alot.
842610
There is no hard and fast rule but if u decide on the basis of fundamentals of the company, it shud be over a reasonable period of time say 3 years to enable u to form a judgment about it.
105946
anullments are usually given based on certain criteria, like for example that the marriage was never consummated or that one of the partners was coerced into marrying the other against his/her will, or something else that would make the agreement invalid.  if the criteria are met, i don't think that there is any time limit, but that might depend on a particular state's laws
1102830
The court can decide anything they want  when it comes to the best interest of the child.  It could be that they feel she can handle one child but is too stressed and overwhelmed to handle three.
140013
Yes.  Unlike other courts, Family Court Decisions are pretty much up to the Judges Discretion.  Thanks to the liberal views of social workers and family law judges, children have been taken away, because they have been spanked.  A foster mother had her license taken away because she forbade T.V. after 7pm and homeschool parents have had children taken away, because they were outside during school hours or because there were dishes in the sink.
1086938
it depends on the age of the child and if the father has give up his rights to the child or if the father hasn't been on the seen for a wile.\nif the child is of an age to make his/her own mind up a judge could allow the child to change there name. or find out if the mother can get it done by deed poll
909545
The family court judge will do the following... if he's any good.\n\nTaking into account that the judges first and foremost objective is the care and well being of the child(ren).  Therefore, what has happened in the past does not play into what is to happen going forward.  The past doesn't pay for nor should it take away from the child that needs support.  So...\n\nThe judge should ignore the tax problem and the guy shouldn't bring it up as a debt he has to pay.\nThe judge will base his decision based on the Non-Costodial parents wages and/or potential wages.  Thus based on the number of kids there will be a set max percentage that can be asseted.  If the custodial parents ability to fully support the child financially, then the judge will most like award the maximum amount.\n\nDuring this process, the non-custodial parent has the right lay out the income and expenses they have and ask the Custondial Parent to do the same in an attempt to lower the amount of Child support to a level the JUDGE can deem as fair to the CHILD.\n\nIn my case, the after the judge looked at all the debts I got and the cost of my house note and the amount of money and number of kids (3), he looked at me.. assested the support amount and then said, "But I really don't know how you are going to make that amount and keep your home."\n\nSo.. it's about the kids.  Period.  Not that it's wrong, it's just the way it is.  The fact your friend hasn't paid Taxes in years is not a factor the judge will probaly consider nor does he want to hear about it as he would prefer the man be out of jail and working to support the child.. then in jail and the state support them.\n\nHope this helps!\n\nOh... he better have an attorney and he better tell them everything!
1008015
"The judge is not sure if she can overrule jurisdiction because the children do not reside in that county anymore."\n\nPrecludes providing you with any relevant answers in this forum.\n\nGiven the obvious complexity of the case, you would be extremely foolish to follow advice given over the Internet.\n\nSave  your money and hire a lawyer.
467665
Visitation is usually worked out in a courtroom and the judge will dictate the final terms.  An older child would have a say in the decision-making process.  A younger child probably would not.
734367
It should not take long at all.  Check first with the police department, but you will probably have to get a lawyer.
373237
every state has different child custody laws. this is what mine are:  i moved from cali to texas when my daughter was 3 months old her father stayed in cali. the order was that i had full physical custody and joint legal custody which means i have her all the time but if anything happened, like god forbid and accident, he would have a say in the matter. now that she is 6 she has to see him at least twice a year for at least a week but that is with me there and we split the cost of airfare. alot can be done and you have a while before you have to worry about that.in my experience i have learned that most family courts are in favor of the mothers and a baby needs his/her mother the first year most. stay strong it will all work out. congratulations!