Cerritos Child Custody Lawyer

Cerritos Child Custody Attorney

Facing a child custody or visitation case can be one of the most difficult things you can do as a parent. In these battles, you want to ensure you are represented well in court should your ex try and damage your position as a loving and responsible parent. At Minyard Morris (formed over 48 years ago), our team of 20 qualified Cerritos child custody lawyers can come alongside you during this difficult time and offer counsel, representation, and fierce advocacy as we seek a good outcome for your case.

Child custody is a legal term used to describe the relationship between parents and their child, not simply just where this child physically resides, though this does come into play. In California, many parents will agree to some form of shared custody. However, there are cases where parents cannot agree on their own, and they will need to go before a judge. It is essential that you enter these court hearings with a lawyer who understands these cases.

Trust the team at Minyard Morris to have your interests at heart while aggressively representing you and advocating for your rights as a California parent.

What Is Child Support in Cerritos, California?

In Cerritos, California, there are two main forms of custody that are to be decided on by a judge in a custody hearing. It is vital to remember that each form of custody can be broken down into two further subcategories. These subcategories include sole custody, or only one parent retaining the form of custody they have been awarded, or joint custody, where the parents share some form of the equitable split of custody.

The two main forms of child custody in the state of California include:

• Legal custody. This form of custody refers to the rights of the parents to make important decisions regarding the lives of their children. Some examples of these decisions that a parent awarded legal custody — whether held solely or jointly — can make include:
  • Childcare, such as daycare, a nanny, or a parent staying home.
  • Education, such as public, vocational, college, private, or religious.
  • Mental health, such as in patient treatment, medication, or therapy.
  • Other healthcare decisions such as doctors, dentists, and orthodontists.
  • Travel.
  • Extracurriculars, such as sports, dance, art, theater, or chess.
• Physical custody. This form of custody refers to where the child will physically reside most of the time and if or how the child’s other parent will be entitled to visitation. In many cases, some form of joint physical custody is typically the judge’s ruling; however, it is vital to keep in mind that just because you are given joint custody does not mean you are allowed a perfect 50/50 custody split.

Minyard Morris: Protecting Your Rights as a California Parent

When you work with the team at Minyard Morris, you are not simply getting a single lawyer for your case, but the entire team of our firm is behind you with over 300 years of collective experience. We have the ability to build a strategic approach to your case, ensuring no stone is left unturned and that your goals and personal objectives are kept in mind as we seek the most favorable outcome possible for your case.

Common Types of Visitation Plans in Cerritos

In Cerritos, California, there are three main types of visitation granted to the non-custodial parent in some physical custody agreements. These types of visitation are:

• Scheduled visitation. In most physical custody arrangements, the parents will eventually come to an agreement, or the courts will order a scheduled visitation plan. This means that a set schedule is created with dates and times that the children will be with each parent, including holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions like vacations.
• Reasonable visitation. These visitation arrangements are left more open-ended and depend on the parents to offer clear communication in the visitation schedule. These may be more flexible but often allow for more opportunities for disagreements or disputes to arise, leading to a need for court once more.
• Supervised visitation. This form of visitation can occur when there are concerns for the child’s well-being or safety when left alone with one of the parents. In these situations, visits can only occur when the custodial parent, a trusted adult, or a professional agent supervises them.

FAQs

Q: What Makes a Parent Unfit?

A: When deciding a parent’s ability to care for and provide for their child in a child custody case in California, a judge will look at several factors to determine if this individual is fit or unfit to have the child live with them. These factors can include the health and well-being of the parent, their home environment, their relationship with the child, any history of substance abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, and their ability to provide for the child’s needs.

Q: Does Domestic Violence Impact a Custody Case?

A: Yes, if allegations of domestic violence are raised in a custody case in California, this can greatly impact a custody decision. If the judge believes that granting custody would violate the terms of a personal protective or restraining order, custody may not be awarded. Likewise, if they have reason to believe granting a parent custody would put the child in harm’s way, they are less likely to award custody to this individual.

Q: What Is Considered in the Best Interest of a Child?

A: There are several factors taken into account when determining what is in the best interest of a child. These factors can include the age and health of the child, the child’s own wishes regarding custody, the health of the child’s relationship with their parent, the special health or mental needs of a child, the parent’s ability to provide for these needs, and any history of substance abuse or domestic violence.

Q: How Long Can a Case for Custody Take?

A: It is virtually impossible to accurately estimate how long a child custody case may take as there are several factors that can affect the overall timeline. These factors can include the complexity involved in the case, the availability of the courts, and the cooperation of your ex and their legal team. With strong legal counsel on your side, however, we can work to move the process along as quickly as possible.

Seek the Fierce Advocacy of a Family Advocate Today

If you are seeking custody of a child in a divorce, legal separation, or paternity case, the advocates at Minyard Morris are ready to serve you. We pride ourselves on offering professional and robust legal services and are ready to fight to ensure your rights are protected under California law. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation with our team.