Laguna Hills Child Custody Lawyer

Laguna Hills Child Custody Attorney

Whether you are going through a divorce or legal separation or are simply seeking child custody in California, the team of 20 Laguna Hills child custody lawyers at Minyard Morris (formed over 48 years ago) is here for you. We know that these are often some of the most stressful and emotionally challenging family law cases, and we are prepared to use our experience and resources to fight for you and your parental rights. We have the ability to build a strategic plan that allows you time with your children.

The thought of losing time with your child can be terrifying. You are their parent and want to ensure that whatever is done in their custody agreement is done with their best interest in mind. At Minyard Morris, we take this best interest to heart, but we also care about what is in your interest. You deserve time with your child, and we are prepared to aggressively advocate for the retention of your parental rights as we seek the right arrangement for your child’s custody.

What Is Child Custody in Laguna Hills, California?

Child custody is a term used to establish the legal relationship between a child and parent and not just where that child resides. In Laguna Hills, many parents can agree on a form of joint custody, where they will share the rights and duties of raising their child. However, the minute nuances of these agreements can be contested, leading to the need for court hearings and a judge’s intervention in making and ordering the final ruling on the child’s custody.

In California, there are two main forms of custody, each with their own subtypes. These two main kinds of custody include:

• Legal custody. This form of custody refers to the parent’s rights and responsibilities in making certain decisions regarding major areas of their child’s life. These areas can include their child’s education, healthcare, welfare, and religious upbringing. The two subtypes of legal custody can include:
  • Sole legal. This refers to cases in which only one parent is awarded legal custody and retains the right to make all the important decisions regarding the child’s life.
  • Joint legal. This form of legal custody lets both parents communicate and hold the right to make certain decisions regarding their child’s life. It is vital that in these situations, the parents can communicate and find grounds for compromise.
• Physical custody. This form of custody refers to which parent the child resides with. Physical custody is either:
  • Sole custody. In many cases, one parent will be named as the custodial parent, and their child will live with them. The other parent may seek visitation rights, such as for holidays or vacations, or in cases where the non-custodial parent may be deemed unfit for custody, this parent may seek supervised visitation with their children.
  • Joint custody. In these situations, both parents retain the right to physical custody of their children, though the split between their homes may not be entirely equal and will be left up to the presiding judge.

How Minyard Morris Can Support You in a Child Custody Battle

With over 350 years of collective experience on our side, the team at Minyard Morris is here to serve you. When you hire us, you aren’t simply getting a single attorney to help you in your child custody case, but a team of 20 professional lawyers who are ready to aggressively fight and protect your parental rights in the state of California. Instead of facing this challenging legal situation on your own, entrust your case to the professionals at Minyard Morris.

When you hire our team, you can expect the following legal services:

• Educating you on California child custody laws and how they might impact your case.
• Negotiating with your co-parent and their legal team to reach an agreement that benefits your parental rights.
• Defending you in a court hearing and protecting your rights to child custody.
• Assisting you in any modifications you might wish to seek at a later date following a final custody ruling should circumstances call for it.

Do not wait to consult with an attorney until the battle becomes heated. Rather, reach out to the team at Minyard Morris the moment you realize a child custody case is imminent. The sooner we can meet with you, the sooner we can begin to build a legal strategy that can protect your parental rights and assist you in aggressively advocating for custody.

FAQs

Q: What Will a Family Lawyer Charge?

A: It is difficult to name an exact number as to how much a family lawyer will charge in California due to the fact that there are many factors involved that can influence the final cost analysis of an attorney. These factors include the complications and length of your case as well as the skill level, effort, and experience of your attorney.

Q: What Factors Determine the Best Interest of a Child?

A: When determining a final ruling for child custody in California, the presiding judge will consider several factors when deciding on what they believe is in the best interest of the children involved. These factors include the health, welfare, and age of the child, the parent’s home environment, the wishes of the child, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse on the part of the parents.

Q: How Long Can a Case for Custody Take?

A: There is no way of telling how long a child custody case may take in California without first knowing what unique factors are involved in the case. For example, a case might take longer if you and your co-parent are unable to communicate, cooperate, or find grounds on which to compromise when deciding on a parenting plan and custody arrangement.

Trust Your Child Custody Case to the Team at Minyard Morris

If you are facing a child custody battle in Laguna Hills, California, the team at Minyard Morris is here for you. We know just how difficult these cases can become and how confusing custody law can appear. Allow us to come alongside you during this difficult time and help you assert your parental rights. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.