Move-Aways and Child Custody

One area of family law appellate practice in which Honey Kessler Amado has significant experience is the issue of "move-aways" - custody relocations, including international relocations.

A seminal case in which Ms. Amado served as appellate counsel for the relocating mother is Marriage of Abargil 106 Cal.App.4th 1294, 131 Cal.Rptr.2d 429 (2003). In this case, the mother was allowed by the trial court to return home to Israel with her child. The father appealed this decision, arguing that Israel would not enforce a foreign order and that Israel was a war zone, unsafe for the child. Ms. Amado represented the mother; the court of appeal affirmed the trial court's decision, ruling that, by implication, Israel was a trustworthy partner for enforcing California's orders and that Israel is not a war zone.

In addition to move-away cases, Ms. Amado also represents clients in appeals involving the Hague Convention and that Convention's implementing legislation, the International Child Abduction Remedies Act.

To speak with Ms. Amado or to make an appointment to see her regarding your client's move away or child custody matter and possible appellate representation or assistance, please contact her at (310) 550-8214.