Actor David Hasselhoff (“Baywatch”) divorced his wife, Pamela Bach, several years ago. But the fight for the custody of their two girls persisted for years after the separation.
In May 2007, Hasselhoff temporarily lost his parental rights, when a video emerged showing the Baywatch star drunk and out of control. The viral video was both humiliating and damaging to his custody case. Nevertheless, in June 2007, a Superior Court judge weighed in on the Hasselhoff-Bach feud and put an end to the battle. He granted Hasselhoff sole custody over both of his daughters, Hayley Amber and Taylor Ann. Pamela Bach was granted visitation rights to see her daughters on alternate weekends as well as Wednesdays for dinner. The judge also gave Hasselhoff sole responsibility for making decisions about the girls’ welfare, education, and health.
When many people ponder divorce and child custody in California, they worry about visitation rights and schedules. Who will get to spend time with the kids? How much time? What will the stipulations be? Etc.
These questions are profound. But the fight over legal custody can also be hugely consequential. Who will make decisions about the child’s education, health, and welfare?
If you lack confidence in the other parent’s ability to make competent decisions on those subjects, you need to work aggressively to demonstrate to the Court that your wisdom should be respected.
Of course, negotiating the fine points of a child custody arrangement is a huge challenge, even under the best of circumstances. For help, connect with our experienced California family law lawyers today.