Child Custody Attorney in Riverside, CA
Children often suffer the most from a shift in the family structure. There is no question that divorce takes a considerable toll on children, especially younger children, who may not grasp why their family is changing. At Bratton & Razo our Riverside child custody lawyers understand the emotional and legal challenges that shape the outcome of divorce proceedings. Our primary objective is to protect the best interests of our clients and their children, especially in child custody proceedings. Our firm is known for its professional reputation and commitment to delivering high-quality legal services.
Our experienced family law attorney in Riverside provides comprehensive legal counsel and representation for various family law cases, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible outcomes in their child custody disputes. We are proud to be an active part of the local community and are recognized as a trusted resource in Riverside. Make your first call to our firm to begin the legal process and experience the supportive, attentive service you deserve.
Our Approach to Helping Families
Our approach to family law is rooted in providing personalized, one-on-one attention to every client. We recognize that each family is unique, with its own set of circumstances and concerns. That’s why we take the time to listen carefully to your needs and goals, ensuring that our legal services are tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for your family. Whether your case involves negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our firm is committed to protecting your interests and those of your loved ones. We are recognized for our integrity, advocacy, and commitment to education, and we strive to make our services accessible to all families in need. At every stage of the process, you can count on our dedicated attorneys to provide the support and guidance you deserve.
Types of Child Custody in Riverside, California
California divorce laws provide for two main types of child custody: legal and physical custody. Parents who retain legal custody of their children maintain the right and duty to make important long-term decisions about their child’s education, healthcare, and overall upbringing. In most cases, both parents work together to make these decisions and thus both retain legal custody.
Physical custody addresses the question of how much time each parent will spend with the child after divorce. Ideally, the court splits parenting time evenly between the two parents; however, the 50/50 arrangement may not function under certain circumstances, such as when the two parents live considerably far from each other or when a parent spends most of his or her time on-the-go.
Parents must work toward creating a parenting plan that works for them that puts their child’s best interests first. The best results in a child custody case often stem from parents who can put their differences aside for their child’s benefit and draft a parenting plan together. When one or both parties cannot do so, they have no choice but to allow the judge to decide on a parenting plan for them. Being actively involved in the process can help achieve better outcomes for your child and your family. These types of custody arrangements are common in many family law cases, where the emotional and multifaceted nature of each case requires experienced legal representation. If you are in need of a child custody attorney in Riverside, CA, get in contact with Bratton & Razo today. Schedule a case review.
Any interested person, such as a parent or guardian, may seek legal action in custody cases; however, not every person has legal standing. A person must have legal standing to file or participate in custody actions.
Understanding Physical Custody in California
Parents who share physical custody of their children in California have what is called joint custody. This means that both parents spend a significant amount of time with their children. When one parent gets more time than the other, he or she is legally recognized as the “primary custodial parent” or the parent who spends the majority of time with the child. To retain primary physical custody of your children, you must spend more than 50% of the time with them.
Physical custody arrangements can impact not only parents and children but also other family members who are concerned about the child’s well-being.
Sole physical custody provides physical custody to just one parent. The child lives with one parent, while the other parent may receive visitation rights. Determining physical custody can be a stressful time for everyone involved.
Child Custody Evaluation Process
The child custody evaluation process can be a stressful and complex time for families, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to guide you through every step, providing compassionate representation and unwavering support. We understand that the best interests of your child are at the heart of every custody matter, and we work diligently to ensure their needs are prioritized throughout the evaluation process. From the initial petition to reaching a final agreement on legal custody and visitation, our team is dedicated to providing sound legal advice and protecting your rights as a parent. We are recognized for our expertise in helping families navigate the challenges of child custody, and we are committed to achieving outcomes that support the well-being of both you and your children. Whether your case involves complex issues or straightforward arrangements, you can rely on our attorneys to be your advocates every step of the way.
Quality Representation for Child Custody and Visitation Issues in Riverside, CA
Winning a child custody battle means showing the judge that it is in your children’s best interest to spend most of the time with you. The judge will consider several factors about your children when deciding what is in their “best interests.” Once the court approves a child custody arrangement, it may be legally enforced. Modifying the arrangement also requires legal action. We strongly recommend retaining a child visitation attorney in Riverside to help you with custody-related legal issues. Our firm is dedicated to achieving justice for our clients by ensuring fair and equitable outcomes in all child custody and visitation matters.
Contact a Riverside Child Custody Attorney Today
Looking for a top-rated child custody attorney in Riverside, CA? Bratton & Razo provides expert legal representation to protect your family’s best interests during divorce proceedings. Our experienced lawyers specialize in all aspects of child custody, including legal and physical custody. We help you navigate the emotional and legal challenges to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children. Schedule a consultation today and let us guide you through the complexities of California’s child custody laws. Call 951-684-9000 or contact us here for compassionate and skilled support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody Laws in California
What Are the Different Types of Child Custody in California?
California recognizes two main types of child custody: legal and physical custody. Legal custody involves the right and responsibility to make important long-term decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and overall upbringing. Most often, both parents share legal custody. Physical custody determines how much time each parent spends with the child. This can be joint custody (where both parents spend significant time with the child) or sole physical custody, where the child lives primarily with one parent and the other parent may have visitation rights.
How Do Courts Determine Child Custody Arrangements?
Courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. Judges consider various factors about the children and parents to make this determination. Ideally, parents work together to create a parenting plan that serves their child’s needs. When parents cannot agree, the court will step in and create a custody arrangement. The goal is to ensure the child’s well-being, which may involve considering factors such as each parent’s ability to provide care, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s existing living situation.
What is the Difference Between Joint and Sole Physical Custody?
Joint physical custody means both parents spend a significant amount of time with their children, typically trying to split time as evenly as possible. When one parent spends more than 50% of the time with the child, they are considered the “primary custodial parent.” Sole physical custody, on the other hand, means the child lives primarily with one parent, and the other parent may be granted visitation rights. The specific arrangement depends on various factors, including the parents’ living situations, work schedules, and the child’s best interests.
Riverside Courthouse Information & City Resources
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside – Riverside Historic Courthouse
4050 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
3900 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
4102 Orange St, Riverside, CA 92501
