San Fernando Valley Child Custody Lawyer for Families

Trusted Los Angeles Child Custody Attorney for California Families

As a parent, you want to ensure the best possible outcome regarding the custody of your child. The obvious question is—how to do this in the context of divorce or the end of your relationship with the other parent?

The San Fernando Valley child custody attorneys of Joel S. Seidel & Associates can assist you with this difficult process, whether through informal resolution or, if necessary, contested litigation.

Call Our Firm For A Consultation

Understanding Child Custody Types in California

There are two types of child custody in California: legal custody and physical custody.

• Legal Custody – Designates which parent has the right and the responsibility to make decisions relating to the child's health, education, and welfare. Can be awarded as sole or joint legal custody.
• Physical Custody – Designates the parent(s) with whom the child will reside. Can be awarded as sole or joint physical custody. If only one parent is granted physical custody, then the other parent can still seek visitation rights.

Every family is different, and there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all custody plan. Your custody plan should match the unique needs of your children while still protecting your parental rights. Our Los Angeles child custody attorney can help.

To speak to our Los Angeles child custody attorney contact us online or give us a call at (818) 435-3773 today.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody allows both parents regular access to the children while also clearly outlining parental rights and responsibilities. In a true joint custody agreement, the two parents share both legal and physical custody equally; however, not all joint custody cases give equal parenting time or decision-making authority to each parent.

Understanding Sole Custody Rights

Sole custody allows only one parent to be granted legal and/or physical custody of the child. It is possible for one parent to maintain full legal custody while still sharing physical custody with the other parent. In other cases, one parent is awarded sole legal and physical custody, and the non-custodial parent can seek visitation rights.

What Should You Do If the Other Parent Violates a Custody Order

If the other parent violates a custody order, it is essential to take prompt action to protect your rights and your child's well-being. First, document each violation meticulously, noting the date, time, and circumstances, as this evidence will be crucial in any legal proceedings. Open communication with the other parent may help resolve misunderstandings; however, if this fails, legal remedies are available.

The affected parent can file a motion with the court to enforce the custody order. This motion may lead to a hearing, allowing the court to address the violation and determine appropriate actions, which could include modifying custody arrangements or imposing penalties on the non-compliant parent. In cases of serious violations, such as endangerment to the child, seeking immediate legal assistance is critical. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action to ensure compliance and protect the child's interests.

Key Factors Courts Consider in Child Custody Decisions in California

Every situation is unique, and family law matters can be complicated. However, in determining a suitable child custody arrangement, courts must consider and effectuate two important public policies.

These Include:

• Promoting the child's health, safety, and welfare
• Ensuring that the child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents have separated, dissolved their marriage or ended their relationship

The California trial court's decision will be upheld on appeal so long as it can be reasonably concluded that the order advances the child's best interests.

While the legal standards for a custody determination are not particularly complex, effectively litigating a child custody dispute is tremendously nuanced, and requires hundreds of decisions in court and out of court. Many of the most important decisions in a child custody dispute are the result of privileged, strategic communications that occur between the client and the San Fernando Valley child custody lawyer on almost a daily basis.

For more information, contact our experienced San Fernando Valley child custody attorney today at (818) 435-3773 or online here. 

Determining the Child’s Best Interest in California Custody Cases

Child custody and the establishment of parenting plans constitute a broad body of law in both case law and statutes. However, in simple terms, the most important consideration in these matters is always the child's best interests.

When a child custody case goes to court, determining the best interest of the child is left largely to the trial court's discretion. It is therefore important to have on your side a skilled San Fernando Valley child custody attorney to handle courtroom procedure as well as the presentation of evidence, ensuring that your rights and your child's best interests are properly represented.

Navigating Contentious Child Custody Matters

In highly contested circumstances, child custody cases may involve experts for the court or experts for the parties themselves. These experts may conduct evaluations of the parties and the children, such as a 730 evaluation. In these cases, an even higher level of legal knowledge and experience is necessary to navigate between the experts, the court, and the disputing parties. Again, many of the most important decisions are the result of privileged, strategic communications that occur between the client and his or her Los Angeles child custody attorney.

Why Choose a Competent Child Custody Lawyer in San Fernando Valley

During what is undoubtedly a difficult time for you, a competent San Fernando Valley family law attorney can help you make informed decisions about your child custody and visitation case so that you reach an agreement that promotes your child's best interests. Our experienced San Fernando Valley child custody attorneys at Joel S. Seidel & Associates can provide you with sound legal counsel and represent you in court or in negotiations.