Another hot topic button in family law is whether a parent can lawfully record a conversation between the parent and the child without the knowledge and/or consent of the child or the other parent. The answer is it depends. A communication between a parent and child is likely NOT a confidential communication as defined by California Penal Code Section 632 because parents routinely discuss conversations between themselves and their children with the other parent, healthcare professionals, and educators whereby a child has no reasonable expectation of privacy when speaking to their parents.
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However, what happens when the child tells the parent that they want the conversation to be kept secret? A child’s request that a conversation be kept secret is a clear indication of the child’s desire that the conversation be confined to just that parent and the child whereby the communication becomes confidential and the recordation of such a conversation and introduction of the recording into court is probably prohibited and maybe illegal. Always consult a competent family law attorney before introducing any recording into court because not only could the recording be excluded, the recording parent could be charged with a misdemeanor pursuant to California Penal Code Section 632.
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To discuss the issue of recording your children, child custody, or child support, contact Fair Cadora today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys.
