Can I visit my mother without my father’s permission?

Question asked on July 19, 2018

Q: My dad took me from my mom when I was little. They never went to court for custody. She lives in California and I live in lasvegas. She wants to get me August 3rd, can I go with out my fathers permission since it’s my mother

A: There is not enough information here to answer the question, but as a general matter, if there has never been a custody order, the parents of a child are presumed to have joint physical and legal custody until a court states otherwise.  Some information and background is posted here, but your parents — probably both of them — might be well served by consulting with a qualified family law specialist before attempting any form of “self-help.”