Proposed Bills May Impact Family Law in California
Five proposed bills may impact family law in the state of California. In an effort to keep up with the unique needs of nontraditional families, lawmakers are seeking to pass bills that will address the needs of those fighting cases that were typically not heard of even a decade ago.
Here are the proposed changes:
AB2344 introduced by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, allows for sperm donors and surrogate mothers to clarify financial and parental responsibilities over their biological children. The bill also expedites adoption for non-biological parents. In other words, in a lesbian partnership where one spouse gives birth to the couple’s child, the adoption process for the non-birthing partner would be faster.
AB1951 introduce by Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, updates state birth certificates to include a gender-neutral parent options. This accommodates same-sex couples. At present, gay men identify as mothers on birth certificates, and lesbian women identify as fathers.
AB2034 introduced by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, gives adult children the right to seek visitation rights of their parents. This protects adult children whose parents remarry, giving power to the new spouse. Objections of visitation voiced by the step-parent would no longer be the final say.
AB1628 introduced by Assemblyman Steve Fox, D-Palmdale, gives grandparents the right to petition courts for visitation rights when parents are incarcerated or institutionalized.
AB1701 introduced by Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, is a yearly update to current California adoption law. The first provision gives parents who pre-arrange adoption temporary custody if the birth mother disappears prior to relinquishing parental rights. Current law allows for the child to be reclaimed without a court hearing during the six month abandonment period.
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Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.