What should I do if my wife abducted my children in California?

Question Detail

My common law wife of 23 years took our 6 year old son 600 miles away (in state) without my consent. I filed a missing persons report with the police and they have not responded. What should I do?

Answer

California does not recognize common law marriages.  We would need to file a petition to establish paternity and also get you a court date for custody and visitation.  Right now since there is no court order that lays out any specific rules on your parenting, the police will not do anything.  You need to get a court order in place to protect yourself in the future.