Despite the circumstances surrounding divorce, no parent imagines raising their child separately from their spouse when they enter into marriage. Therefore, determining a child custody plan is an extremely complicated and emotional experience. After all, every parent wants to be a permanent and active part of their child’s life. Coming up with the best possible child custody plan, however, is about more than what works for you and your spouse. Determining a successful child custody plan requires figuring out what is best for your children.
If you’re navigating through a divorce that involves child custody, it’s essential to understand that things don’t have to be highly complicated, and there’s a place you can turn for help. At Bratton & Razo, our child custody attorneys are dedicated to protecting your parental rights. A family law attorney in California will help come up with a child custody and visitation plan that works for your family, whether it involves joint custody or sole physical custody.
Factors for Determining Child Custody in California
Child custody refers to the legal and physical care of a child, which can be granted to one or both parents after a divorce or separation. In California, the court’s primary concern is the best interest of the child, ensuring they have frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Child custody can be categorized into physical custody, which determines where the child will live, and legal custody, which determines who will make important decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. Understanding the different types of child custody, including joint custody, sole custody, and joint physical custody, is essential for parents navigating a child custody dispute.
With dedicated experience since 1989, we have helped all types of families throughout California come up with flexible child custody plans that work. In California, mediation is required for all parties that are developing a child custody plan. At your side throughout the process, our custody lawyers will make sure you understand the factors considered by the court:
- Parenting Time Desired
- Holiday Time
- Time Available
- Past Primary Caregiver
- Child’s Wishes
- Abuse
Additionally, we specialize in handling custody and visitation issues, ensuring that all aspects of your case are thoroughly addressed.
When determining child custody, it’s extremely important to our offices that you consider the best interest of your child. If you’re working to win custody to get back at a spouse or simply prove a point, you’re not working toward custody for the right reason. At Bratton & Razo, our child custody attorneys want to partner with parents who want the best for their children and look forward to hearing from you about your case.
Understanding Custody Types
It’s equally important to understand the different types of child custody. Whether you’re interested in working out a joint custody plan or you believe it would be in the best interest of your children for you to have sole custody, we will help you understand each facet of your plan:
- Legal Custody: This concerns your ability to share information and make decisions regarding your child’s medical, educational, and general welfare needs.
- Physical Custody: This considers actual times the child may spend with each parent. There are no set formulas for arrangements as each case is unique.
In developing a custody agreement, it’s also important to come up with a parenting plan that includes visitation rights and schedules.
Child Custody Dispute
A child custody dispute arises when parents cannot agree on the custody and visitation arrangements for their child. In such cases, the court will intervene to determine the best interest of the child. The court considers various factors, including the child’s age, health, and relationship with each parent, as well as any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. A child custody attorney can help parents navigate the complex legal process and advocate for their rights and interests. It is essential to seek legal advice to ensure the best possible outcome for the child and to avoid costly and time-consuming court battles.
Role of a Child Custody Attorney
A child custody attorney plays a crucial role in helping parents resolve child custody disputes. They provide legal expertise and guidance throughout the process, from mediation to court hearings. A skilled child custody attorney can help parents understand their rights and options, negotiate a custody and visitation agreement, and represent them in court if necessary. They can also help parents modify existing custody orders or enforce court orders if the other parent is not complying. By hiring an experienced child custody attorney, parents can ensure their interests and the best interests of their child are protected throughout the child custody case.
Child Custody Modifications in California
As your children get older and your life circumstances change, there might be a reason to change the initial child custody agreement determined at the time of your divorce. Common reasons for modifications include:
- Parental Relocation
- Changes in Parental Finances
- Changes in Parental or Child Health
- Child’s Age
- Child Preference
- Child Stability
Despite the reason for modifications, unfortunately, changing an agreement is not always simple. Many divorced parents have a difference of opinion and preferences which hinder the case from unfolding smoothly.
If there’s been a major change in your circumstances since the time of your original child custody settlement, we can help you achieve the necessary child custody and visitation modifications.
Contact an Experienced & Professional Child Custody Lawyers Today
Coming up with the right child custody plan is an important part of building the best possible relationship with your children. If you’re ready to get started on the right path to figuring out child custody terms for your family, it’s time to reach out to an experienced and professional California child custody lawyer for help.
Our child custody attorneys at Bratton & Razo have more than 90 years of combined experience practicing family law in Southern California. Each of our partners is a member of the Riverside Bar Association and is highly rated on Avvo by past clients.
Call our offices at 951-684-9000 for your consultation so we can help you. We look forward to meeting you soon!