It was recently reported by ABC News that Bruce Beresford-Redman left Mexico without the Mexican authorities’ knowledge or consent. While Bruce and his wife, Monica, were on vacation in Cancun, his wife was murdered. He has yet to be charged with any crimes, but Mexican authorities have named Bruce as a person of interest in his wife’s death. There is also a separate California child custody case to decide who will get ultimate custody of Bruce and Monica’s children.

It is the stated policy of California under California Family Code (CFC), Sections 3020-3032 and 3080-3089, to assure that the health, safety, and welfare of any involved children will be the court’s primary concern when making any orders regarding the physical or legal custody, or visitation of children. Therefore, the court attempts to make sure that children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage, or ended their relationship.

Under CFC Section 3080, parents are encouraged to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing, predominantly through joint custody, in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of any involved children. However, where the contact between a parent and a child would not be in the best interest of the child – such as in cases of abuse, neglect, or crime – other custodial arrangements will be made.

The best possible child custody arrangement is essential to the well-being of your children. It is therefore necessary that you retain our experienced Southern California child custody lawyer as soon as you can. The child custody attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been handling custody arrangements for more than 30 years. Our Southern California attorneys will conduct a thorough review of the details of your case, and will advocate on your behalf to get you and your family the best possible outcome. Call Wallin & Klarich today to speak with one of our attorneys regarding your case. We will be here when you call.