Fountain Valley Child Custody Lawyer

Fountain Valley Child Custody Attorney

When it comes to the realm of family law, nothing is more difficult than a child custody battle. You want to do what is in the best interest of your child, but you also want to work to retain your parental rights and not lose out on precious time with those you hold dear. At Minyard Morris, our team of qualified Fountain Valley child custody lawyers is prepared to come alongside you during this difficult time and offer legal representation and guidance in your case.

These cases require extensive knowledge and the skill of a seasoned family lawyer. At Minyard Morris (formed over 48 years ago), our team of 20 attorneys comes with over 350 years of shared experience and is ready to put that experience to use, fighting for your parental rights in the state of California. Let us advocate for you and your interest as we work toward a positive outcome in your child custody battle. We can tailor a case strategy that will perfectly fit your unique needs and wishes.

Trust the team at Minyard Morris to advocate fiercely for you and seek the most favorable outcome for you to retain your parental rights.

Factors That Determine Custody Awards in Fountain Valley, California

In Fountain Valley, many child custody cases are settled within a divorce or legal separation. However, there may come a need for a separation court hearing to take place in order to allow a judge to make a determination on the custody of the child or children in question. In making this determination, the judge will consider several factors, and it is vital that you have an attorney on your side who can assert your side of the case.

In California, the courts typically act under two main assumptions:

• The children will benefit from continued, frequent contact with both of their parents.
• The court’s primary concern is the children’s health, welfare, and safety.

With these considerations in mind, the judge will also look at other factors when awarding custody arrangements. These factors include:

• The age of the children.
• The age of the parents.
• The health of the children.
• The health of the parents.
• The emotional connections shared between the parents and their child.
• The ties the child has to their home, school, community, and extracurricular activities.
• The parent’s ability to care for their child.
• Any history of physical or emotional abuse or neglect.
• Any history of parental substance abuse.
• Any history of domestic violence.

Minyard Morris: Aggressive Advocacy in Child Custody Cases

At Minyard Morris, we are dedicated to offering very top-tier legal services. We pride ourselves on being thorough in our defense of your rights and are ready for anything the courts may throw our way. We are ready to aid your child custody case by offering strong legal strategies and honest advice that exceeds our client’s expectations. We are committed to delivering results that align with your unique goals are desires in your case.

When you hire Minyard Morris in your family law matter, you are not just hiring a single lawyer, but a team of dedicated attorneys ready to take on your legal representation and offer guidance, education on pertinent laws, and successful case tactics. At Minyard Morris, we will not simply react to challenges that may arise in a custody case but rather anticipate them and plan our advocacy accordingly. That is our promise and what sets us above all the rest.

Parenting Plans and Visitation Rights in California

Once a judge has awarded custody in California, it may be left up to the parents to reach an agreement on certain decisions regarding their child. This is often the case in situations where parents have been awarded joint legal custody. It is vital that a parenting plan be established as a way to create guidelines going forth. These plans are some of the only ways to prevent future issues so that everyone knows how to proceed correctly under certain circumstances.

At Minyard Morris, we can help you draft and establish this parenting plan, which should include the following information:

• How physical custody or visitation schedules will work, including weekends and weekdays.
• How summer, spring, or winter breaks will be scheduled between joint physical custody parents.
• How holidays, vacations, and birthdays will be divided.
• How overnight stays will work.
• How transportation will work, including requirements for car seats or booster seats.
• Establishing neutral drop-off locations.
• Establishing agreed-upon discipline methods.
• Establishing internet, screen time, and cellphone usage for children.
• Establishing the sleeping arrangements of the child.
• Establishing rules for children meeting the parent’s new partner.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Common Forms of Visitation?

A: There are three main forms of visitation in the state of California. These include scheduled visitation, or visitation which allows a schedule to be made for how the children will spend birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions; reasonable visitation, in which the parents are allowed to communicate and work out visitation schedules on their own; and supervised visitation, where the non-custodial parent can only see their child when supervised.

Q: What Are the Two Main Forms of Custody in CA?

A: The two main forms of custody in California include legal custody, or the right and duty of each parent to make decisions regarding their child’s life, such as their education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, and physical custody, or the child’s residence. Both of these forms can be shared between the parents or awarded solely to one parent.

Q: What Custody Arrangement Is Best for a Child?

A: When the courts are making determinations on child custody, they will take into consideration what they believe to be in the best interest of that child. Factors determining the best interest of a child can include the age and wishes of the child, the parent’s mental states and home environments, any criminal history of either parent, and the ability of the parents to care for their child.

Q: Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Custody Case?

A: Though not required by state law, having an attorney on your side in a child custody case can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your desired outcome. Your attorney can educate you on your parental rights and the laws that pertain to your case and can negotiate a parenting plan and custody arrangement with your co-parent and their legal team. If negotiations are not possible, your attorney can litigate your case on your behalf.

Talk to a Fierce Legal Advocate Today

If you are in need of a fierce advocate in a child custody battle, the team of Minyard Morris is here for you. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.