Laguna Beach Child Custody Lawyer

Laguna Beach Child Custody Attorney

When seeking a divorce or legal separation in the state of California, it is important for parents to take into consideration their wishes for child custody and hire a Laguna Beach child custody lawyer who can help them seek a favorable outcome that aligns with these desires. At Minyard Morris, formed over 48 years ago, our team comes with over 350 years of shared experience assisting clients facing a litany of family law issues, including child custody. Let us provide fierce legal guidance and support.

In the sphere of family law, child custody cases can be some of the most emotionally tense and challenging. There are plenty of uncertainties that may arise, which is why it is so important to find the right ally who can stand by your side should any disputes arise that affect your parental rights. At Minyard Morris, we pride ourselves on our aggressive advocacy and litigation skills and are prepared to put those skills to use when you hire us for your case.

Determining What Is in the Best Interest of a Child in Laguna Beach, California

When the parents of a child cannot agree on the custody arrangement of that child following a divorce or legal separation, a judge can make a decision regarding this arrangement. When making their determination, the judge will consider several factors to make a ruling based on what they believe to be in the best interest of the child. These factors can include the following:

• The health, safety, and welfare of the child while in the custody of either parent.
• If any parent has been accused or convicted of domestic violence or other abuse or neglect charges.
• Any history of substance abuse on the part of either parent.
• The frequent and continuing contact of the child with both parents, unless one parent is deemed unsafe and not in the best interest of the child.
• The stability of each parent, both physically and mentally.
• The ability of the parents to individually care for their child.

Other factors the courts may take into account when making a determination on a custody ruling can include:

• The school the child currently attends and their current ties to that school and community.
• The specific needs of the child.
• The relationship between the child and each individual parent.
• Each parent’s individual time available to spend with their child.

Minyard Morris: Ready to Fight for Your Rights as a California Parent

Settling a child custody case can be a messy battle that calls for the strong advocacy of a legal representative. When you seek out the assistance of Minyard Morris, it is important to note that you will not be receiving the support of a single lawyer but a team of professional, experienced attorneys who are ready to fight for your parental rights. We understand that these legal matters can be stressful and even uncertain, and we promise to be here every step of the way.

When you work with our team, we can craft for you the correct strategy to be used in any courtroom to demonstrate your care and love for your child and work to defend you against anything your co-parent or their legal team try to throw your way in order to cast doubt on your ability to be a suitable parent for your child. We can analyze the latest custody laws, examine the unique details of your case, and ensure that our plan is tailored to your unique needs.

Custody Arrangements in California

In the state of California, there are two main types of custody a parent may be awarded. It is important to understand both of these forms of custody, and the team at Minyard Morris can help guide you through the process of obtaining these kinds of custody.

• Physical custody. This form of custody refers to the time the child will spend residing with each parent. There are many factors that can come into consideration for this form of custody, including what school the child attends and how much time and resources the parent has to dedicate to their child. Physical custody can be broken down further, as:
  • Sole. This form can be awarded in cases where only one parent retains physical custody of the child.
  • Joint. In this arrangement, the child will split their time residing between the homes of their parents. However, it is important to keep in mind that this split may not be completely equal, and it will be up to the judge to make a determination.
• Legal custody. This form of custody refers to the rights and duties of each individual parent to make decisions in regard to their child’s welfare, religious upbringing, health, and education. There are two subtypes of legal custody:
  • Joint. This form of legal custody lets both parents retain the right to make decisions regarding the children’s lives.
  • Sole. This arrangement occurs when only one parent is awarded the right to determine how the child should be raised, and this can happen when the courts believe the parents cannot and should not make mutual decisions if it is not in the best interest of the child.

FAQs

Q: What Will a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?

A: In California, there is no real way of calculating what a child custody lawyer might charge without first knowing the factors that may be at play in your case. There are several factors that may impact your case as well as the final cost analysis of an attorney, including the duration of the case, the complexity of the case, the willingness to cooperate between all involved parties, and your attorney’s experience and skill level.

Q: If I am Awarded Joint Legal Custody, Does That Mean I Must Agree on Every Decision?

A: If you are awarded joint legal custody, this means you retain the right to make certain decisions regarding the life of your child. However, sharing this custody with your co-parent could lead to disputes that could bring you back into the courtroom. To avoid these conflicts, it is important that both parents learn how to cooperate with one another and compromise when making these decisions, sometimes by finding ground on which to compromise.

Q: How Long Can a Child Custody Case Last?

A: It is hard to offer a definite timeline for a child custody case as each case is vastly different, and there are several elements that may or may not be involved. If a resolution can be reached quickly through fierce litigation and representation by your attorney, the case may go relatively smoothly and quickly. However, if your co-parent and their legal team refuse to cooperate or find areas of compromise, the case’s timeline may lengthen.

Q: Does Domestic Violence Play Into a Child Custody Case?

A: Yes, if allegations arise regarding any domestic violence on the part of either parent, this could impact the battle for custody. If the courts believe that there is truth to the allegations, they will deem this to not be in the best interest of the child, and the accused party may lose out on their chances for custody.

Contact a Trusted Family Law Firm Today

If you are facing a dispute regarding the custody of your child in Laguna Beach, California, the team at Minyard Morris is ready to assert your parental rights. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation so that we may begin to plan an aggressive and winning strategy for your case.