Placentia Child Custody Lawyer

Placentia Child Custody Attorney

Your relationship with your children is understandably your top concern during a divorce or custody battle. If you have concerns about your ability to spend time with your child at Tri-City Park or Kraemer Memorial Park, having legal representation from a skilled Placentia child custody lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and that the courts consider your side of the story and the emotional and material support you’ve given your child or children.

A Firm Dedicated to Strategic Representation and Exceptional Service

When you secure representation from Minyard Morris, you gain access to the collective knowledge and experience of 20 career lawyers who limit their practice to family law. Our entire team of family law attorneys allocates time three times a week to engage in in-depth collaborative conferences where we troubleshoot problems and generate novel strategies for our clients.

We do this because no single lawyer has all the answers all the time. Our team has experienced divorce lawyers with over 350 years of combined experience to help our clients. By working together, we provide strong legal support to achieve the best results in child custody and divorce cases.

Understanding Child Custody in Placentia

Child custody cases in Placentia are handled at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, which is located by the Outlets at Orange and the Santa Ana courthouse. Parents may end up in a child custody case because they are going through a divorce or because they were never married, and one parent initiates a child custody case after paternity has been established.

The court’s primary concern is the child’s best interests. Judges consider a wide range of factors when setting child custody, including each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, their past involvement in the child’s life, and other factors. As part of this, the court will set child custody and visitation orders to make sure both parents understand their rights and responsibilities.

You may hear about legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody determines the parents’ rights to make important decisions on behalf of their child, while physical custody refers to where the child lives and who has visitation time. Both forms of child custody can be held jointly by both parents or solely by one parent.

How to Prepare for a Child Custody Case

Preparing for your child custody case can strengthen your position. One important topic to explore is your goal and what you’d like the outcome of your case to be. It is important to be realistic about your expectations. Understanding child custody laws can help you set clear and achievable goals for your case.

Even if you do not get along with your soon-to-be ex, the courts prefer co-parenting and often award some type of joint child custody arrangement as long as neither parent poses a threat to their child.

You may end up exchanging your child at a predetermined area for visitation. In high conflict cases, parents often meet at neutral locations such as the Placentia Library District or Tri-City Park. Doing child exchanges at a neutral location can protect you from false allegations if the other parent is bent on hurting your reputation.

Make sure to avoid exchange points near high-traffic areas like Orange Freeway (CA-57) exits or busy intersections like Yorba Linda Boulevard and Kraemer Boulevard. Work with your family law attorney to document your history with your child.

The courts like to see that both parents can provide stable home environments for kids. By gathering evidence that shows you have consistently been a present and supportive parent, you can improve the chances that the courts understand your dedication to parenting your child.

The Critical Role of Legal Representation for Protecting Your Rights

The outcome of a child custody case can affect your relationship with your child for many years to come. By taking the time to find a strong and experienced attorney, you can improve your odds of securing a favorable outcome for your case. A family law attorney can be an invaluable partner who fights to protect your rights and works to resolve disputes. If you are falsely accused of being an unfit parent, your family law attorney can use evidence to refute those accusations in court.

FAQs

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Orange County?

The cost of a child custody attorney in Orange County varies based on the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience, and whether the matter is contested. High-conflict cases often require more time and strategic litigation, increasing costs. While legal fees are an investment, working with a skilled family law attorney can help protect your parental rights and position you for a favorable child custody arrangement.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Custody in California?

While California law does not require you to have a family law attorney in a child custody case, representation can be critical when facing a contested dispute or dealing with a co-parent unwilling to cooperate. The court prioritizes the child’s best interests, but without a strong legal strategy, you risk an outcome that does not reflect your role as a parent.

What Are the Chances of a Father Getting 50/50 Child Custody in Orange County?

California law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender, but securing a 50/50 custody arrangement depends on multiple factors. Courts consider each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and whether equal parenting time serves the child’s best interests. If the other parent challenges shared child custody, you will need a well-prepared legal argument to establish why equal parenting time is appropriate.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in California?

Judges evaluate child custody cases based on what serves the child’s best interests. Key factors include each parent’s ability to provide stability, their involvement in the child’s life, any history of substance abuse or domestic violence, and the child’s relationship with each parent. A strategic legal approach can help demonstrate why your role as a parent supports the child’s well-being.

Schedule Your Child Custody Consultation Today

At Minyard Morris, we’re here to fight for you and your future. We prioritize our client’s goals and work as a team to problem-solve any issues that might arise in their cases. Our team of 20 career family law attorneys develop tailored strategies designed to secure favorable outcomes. We boast over 350 years of combined legal experience. We limit our practice exclusively on family court matters filed in Orange County, so we are well-versed in the state’s laws  and the local rules in Orange County and how to win cases for our child custody clients. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.