Ramirez

BACKGROUND

This case involves a bitter dispute between parents of a daughter who has been caught between them. It involves numerous factual contentions, but we discuss only those relevant to resolving Marslek’s appeal. Ramirez’s Initiation of the Dispute Marslek and Ramirez do not appear to have been involved romantically for many years. Prior to this action, they shared joint legal custody of daughter and followed without dispute a physical custody and visitation arrangement regarding her. In April 2010, Ramirez, through counsel, appeared in Department 504 of the superior court that retained continuing jurisdiction over a domestic violence prevention matter between Marslek and Ramirez that occurred some years before. Ramirez sought modifications to Marslek’s rights similar to those discussed further herein, but the specifics of her request are not contained in the record. The court told Ramirez’s counsel that she needed to file a paternity action in a family law department, but considered her request for a temporary order modifying Marslek’s rights regarding daughter, then about 8 years old, given Marslek’s recent arrest in connection with marijuana cultivation and weapons…