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End of custody battle enables tennis pro to return to her career

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | May 4, 2018 | Child Custody |

Professional tennis star Victoria Azarenka is back in action after the custody fight over her young son temporarily derailed her career.

Like many parents with professional careers, the tennis pro found her occupation at odds with her obligation as a parent. With a custody battle looming large in California and a judge’s order not to remove the toddler from the jurisdiction, Azarenka wisely chose to sideline her career. She had been scheduled to play in Europe, but she dropped out of the circuit until after the custody battle was decided.

Now, she has custody of her son and is able to return to the courts overseas. Unfortunately, her time on hold has dropped her ranking from first in the world all the way down to 99th. The tennis pro has stated that she felt that she had to choose between her career and her child.

That’s probably not far from the truth. When a judge looks at various factors in a custody battle, the deciding factor is always whatever is “in the best interests of the child.” With young children, the court often looks at which parent acts as the primary caregiver, how much time each parent spends with the child and other factors that could be seriously impacted by a lengthy physical separation.

Had the tennis pro left her child with the child’s father or other relatives while she attended tournaments overseas, that fact could have been used to influence the court against her. The father would likely have said that she was showing a lack of true concern for the child’s well-being. He could have also taken that time to establish himself as the child’s primary caretaker, which could have also swayed the court toward giving him primary physical custody.

Is it an unfair system? In some situations, it may be. Unfortunately, when parents can’t agree to a custody arrangement on their own, judges are often forced into the position of making the decisions for them. They have to use whatever available evidence they have to try to determine who is best suited to care for the child and who has the child’s interests most at heart.

For many professionals, that translates into a damaged career trajectory, regardless of their field. That’s why it’s often better to try to work out a custody agreement with the other parent outside of court whenever possible.

Source: sport24, “Azarenka back in Europe after US custody battle,” April 30, 2018

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

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Recent Posts

  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

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