In re Giselle S. CA2/2

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Facts

A. Birth of Giselle In August 2014, Giselle S. was born to Salena H. (mother) and father, in Baltimore, Maryland. B. Mother flees with Giselle Mother and father have a tumultuous relationship. They lived together in Maryland for approximately one month while mother was pregnant, but separated because father was physically abusive to mother.

All further statutory references are to the Family Code unless otherwise indicated.

2 In early 2016, when Giselle was about 18 months old, mother fled with Giselle to Florida. When father showed up in Florida, mother fled with Giselle to Colorado. C. Florida family court proceedings In September 2017, while mother was still in Colorado with Giselle, father filed for custody of Giselle in Florida state court. When mother did not respond to the filing, the Florida court issued a “default[]” judgment awarding father “sole parental responsibility” over Giselle. D. Family moves to California in June 2020 In September 2018, father went to Colorado, obtained custody of Giselle and moved to Los Angeles, California with her. Mother went back to Maryland. In November 2018, father…