Are there any convictions that will automatically ban me from reconnecting with my child or grandchild?

Yes. For some conviction offenses, the law will automatically ban you from reconnecting with a child/grandchild. And for some conviction offenses, a judge is unlikely to grant full custody or unsupervised visitation. See the chart that follows.

HOW DIFFERENT CONVICTIONS WILL AFFECT YOUR CUSTODY & VISITATION RIGHTS
CONVICTION OFFENSE
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY CHANCES OF GETTING CUSTODY OR VISITATION?
Domestic Violence

Judges are hesitant to give custody to someone who has engaged in domestic violence, and will consider any history of domestic abuse against your child, the other parent, or a partner.[2325]

Rape

A judge will not allow someone who has been convicted of rape to have any custody or visitation with a child who was conceived from that rape.[2326]

Other Convictions

A judge usually will not grant custody or unsupervised visitation in the following circumstances, unless the s/he finds that there is no risk of harm to your child:

    If you have a conviction for certain child abuse offenses;[2327]
    If you have a conviction for first-degree murder of the child’s other parent; and/or
    If you are a 290-sex offender registrant for an offense where the victim was a minor (under 18), or if you live with someone else who is a 290-sex offender registrant for an offense where the victim was a minor (under 18).[2328]

For more information on how your criminal record will be a factor in a judge’s decision regarding your custody/visitation rights, see PG. 735.

  1. 2325

    Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3011(b), 3020(a), 3031, 3044. The judge will also consider any restraining or protective orders against you. Nonetheless, you may still be able to get custody by showing that you have completed all court-ordered treatment and/or behavioral programs (e.g., batterer’s treatment program, parenting classes, anger management, drug or alcohol treatment, or conditions of probation or parole); complied with all parole/probation/supervision requirements; complied with any restraining or protective orders against you; have not committed any further domestic violence; and that custody would be in your child’s best interest. Cal. Fam. Code § 3044(b). ↑

  2. 2326

    Cal. Fam. Code § 3030(b). The law is very strict in this instance and does not permit even supervised or conditional visitation. ↑

  3. 2327

    This applies to child abuse convictions under Cal. Penal Code §§ 273a, 273d, or 647. ↑

  4. 2328

    Cal. Fam. Code § 3030; see also Cal. Penal Code § 290. For child abuse convictions and registered sex offender registrants, the judge must find that there is “no significant risk to the child.” § 3030(a). For first-degree murder of the other parent, the judge must find that there is “no risk to the child’s health, safety and welfare.” § 3030(c). In both cases, the judge must state his/her reasons in writing or on the record. However, the judge may still permit supervised visitation in these cases. ↑