Padideh Seyed Jafari

Mrs. Jafari is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and minor in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University.

In 2003, Mrs. Jafari began her private practice in Sherman Oaks, California representing clients in all family law matters such as divorce, mediation and collaborative law. By using her background in psychology and law, Mrs. Jafari helps her clients navigate the dissolution process from in-take through settlement in the most competent and compassionate way.

Academic Positions:

-NYU Schack (Assistant Adjunct Professor: Real Estate Law)

-Southern California Institute of Law (Adjunct Professor: Family Law; Community Property)

Loyola Marymount Univ

Undergraduate Degree

Southwestern Univ School of Law

Law Degree

Southwestern University School of Law

California State Bar  # 225505

Member

2003 - Current

California

State Bar of California

ID Number: 225505

Since 2003

Q. Can a parent file for custody without a divorce or separation in CA?

February 28, 2025

A: Yes. A parent can file for custody of the child without a divorce or separation finalized in California. However, there does need to be an open family law case in order to request custody orders. A family law case can be opened in different ways depending on the specific circumstances. Here are some common ways.

If the parent is married and ready to divorce or separate he or she can file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100). Alternatively, if the parent is NOT ready for divorce or separation he or she can file a Petition for Custody and Support (FL-260) to open a family law case.

An unmarried parent can also open a case by filing a Petition for Custody and Support (FL-260) as long as parentage has been legally established through a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP) or prior court ruling. If parentage has NOT been established a case can be opened using a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship (FL-200).

Once any one of those forms are filed, the parent can immediately file form FL-300 (Request for orders) to request temporary orders for custody. This will establish the parameters for the custody of the child before the case is finalized and permanent orders are issued.

If there is an urgent, immediate risk for the parent or child, such as domestic violence or molestation, you could file for Temporary Emergency Orders (form FL-305) along with the request for orders. This way, the court may review your request and issue orders as soon as the same or next day.

There are more forms you may need to submit and other steps to the process, which you can read about in detail on the California Courts Self-help Guide. However, its always a good idea to consult a family law attorney before starting this process. ... Read More

Q. Iex husband got me arrested on false allegations, it was dismissed, but knowing, he filed exparte & got full custody,

September 19, 2024

A: First off, get your own attorney right away if you have not done so. This is not a situation you want to try to handle on your own.

With the attorney you can discuss if a motion to advance, new trial date or emergency motion is the most appropriate action. If you have any evidence that there is psychological or any other type of abuse happening with your child, make sure you document it as thoroughly as possible and provide it to your attorney and the the courts.

Your child's well being should be the courts #1 concern. So, with the mediator's recommendation and evidence of abuse, a skilled attorney should hopefully be able to get you an earlier hearing. If there is no evidence of the abuse, you still have options but it could be an uphill battle. Good Luck ... Read More

Q. No custody. Child support order changed to 0$. The grandpa of mother now has custody and is asking for child support.

September 19, 2024

A: The answer depends on what you mean by " relinquished [your] rights". But generally speaking. A person who has full custody can request a change to a court order that initially said no child support was required. In California, they would generally need a good reason to have it changed, such as a significant change in their or your finances or a change in the child's needs. If it's been over three years since the orders were last reviewed, they could also request a cost of living adjustment without their being any significant change in circumstances.

If by "relinquished [your] rights" you mean the Grandfather adopted the child, then, typically all of your rights and responsibilities would be terminated and therefore you wouldn't be responsible for supporting them. ... Read More