San Diego Divorce Custody Battle
Court Overturns Teenager's Request
San Diego divorce courts rarely ignore a teenager's expressed choices in custody cases. However, during a custody battle that was spinning out of control, where a 14-year-old son had expressed a strong desire to live with his Father, the Court did just that.
Steven M. Bishop, divorce lawyer in San Diego, represented the Mother. In this case, the 14-year-old son did not like living under his mother’s rules and guidelines. Dad offered a more attractive lifestyle, complete with video games and no curfew at night. Steven M. Bishop's client was the disciplinarian and structured parent; Father was the "Disneyland playmate".
During court-mandated mediation, the mediator correctly diagnosed the real issue and recommended the child’s wishes be respectfully ignored. However, the Court overruled the mediator, acknowledging she did an effective job analyzing the situation, but had called it wrong and tentatively ruled in favor of Father.
During trial, Steven M. Bishop was successful in convincing the Court the mediator had, in fact, called it right. Mr. Bishop was publicly complimented from the bench for his convincing efforts and the work he had been done in the case. Custody battles, such as this, can get very complicated and it takes experience and understanding of divorce law in San Diego to ensure the right decision is made on behalf of clients.
Steven M. Bishop
591 Camino De La Reina
Suite # 909
San Diego, California 92108
Phone: 877-576-7413
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