Child Custody Lawyer
Divorce Attorney Serving Pasadena & Beverly Hills
Disputes over child custody commonly cause a great deal of emotional stress and often make the divorce process continue longer than necessary. Both parents feel strongly about protecting their relationship with the children, and litigation over custody, child support and visitation can become complex and heated. The team at The Graves Law Firm can help ease you through the experience by representing you in negotiations and working to see that you get the outcome you are hoping for. It is important to achieve a custody plan that serves the best interests of everyone involved.
In order to avoid having to file for a modification of child custody, it is important to work out an agreement that will not cause undue strain on either parent or on the children. The plan should foster a workable relationship between you and your former spouse for the sake of the children. If you have concerns over the potential for neglect or abuse, you can take action to seek full custody. Similarly, you can challenge any proposed relocation of your children that would make it difficult for you to maintain a relationship with them.
Parenting Plans in California
In California, child custody is often managed through the implementation of a parenting plan. Also known as a custody and visitation agreement, it sets out the parents' decisions regarding how will split child custody and what visitation will look like. There are two major parts to this plan.
- First is the time-share agreement. This lays out a schedule regarding how much time each parent can have with the child.
- The second aspect is in regards to decision making. Raising a child will involve education, healthcare, religion, and more, and this plan can help clarify how the parents are going to work through these issues.
This parenting plan will become official once it has been signed by both parents, signed by a family court judge, and then filed with the court. Parents are urged to consider what is in the best interests of their children when creating these plans.
Domestic Violence & Child Custody Issues
What happens in child custody cases where there were past instances of domestic violence? When this is the case, there are several different options available of how to proceed. If you or your children are in danger, you should contact the authorities as soon as possible. If you fear that abuse may potentially be a problem during visits, you could request supervised visitations. When it is determined to be in the best interests of the child, the judge may order that a child is only allowed to be with a parent if a third party is present the entire time.
Other reasons supervised visits may be ordered is if the parent and child did not have a relationship previously or there were concerns regarding the mental or emotional health of the parent. In serious cases of domestic violence, the parent may be ordered to not see the child at all or attempt to contact them.
Why hire our Pasadena divorce firm?
The Graves Law Firm strives to keep children out of the divorce. All too often, struggles between parents over custody rights lead to long-term emotional scarring of the children. The firm respects the value of a child having strong relationships with both parents, and she works to help her clients come to workable agreements which promote the happiness of all concerned. They get to know their clients in order to find out what would be the best solution for the future.
Read what our past clients have to say about us
-
I went to the Law office of Demetria Graves to discuss a unique and somewhat embarrassing situation regarding child support. Ms Graves sat down with me and took the time to fully understand my problem. Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case. - Anonymous- Anonymous
-
I first made contact with the Law Offices of Demetria Graves back in a time where I needed advice and counsel in the most urgent and cost effective manner. I needed a strategy that could help me address my situation while supporting my budgetary challenges. I had solicited several firms prior to Demetria Graves and recognized rather quickly that she had the technical expertise I needed and was very reasonably priced. "Demetria has been very responsive and diligent in her actions to mitigate personal exposure on my part. She was very forthright in laying out the truth and reality associated with the process. Sometimes the truth in these situations isn't what you want to hear, but Demetria was very good a keeping it real and never sugar coating any personal exposure and/or financial commitments that will be imposed by the courts. For me the truth was essential and the truth is what clients can rely on from Demetria and her staff. "Because of Demetria's strategic approach to mitigating and minimizing my long-term damages, I am pleased to say I successfully got through the process and while I am committed to the financial support of another, I feel I was well represented and was able to weigh the options and make the right decision for my life moving forward. "Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases, while remembering the economics of it all. For this I am grateful and appreciative. It has allowed me to move on and begin a new chapter with brighter things to come. - Robert C. Harrelson- Robert C. Harrelson
-
I have a small girl whom I've been completely involved with since her birth, despite her mother and I having never been married. We had a mutual agreement that the courts never needed to be involved, and everything would be 50/50. But eventually she filed for full custody, demanding I see my little girl 2 days a month. All this after 3 years without incident. Frankly, I was scared. She had retained an attorney, but I could not afford one. We ultimately came to an agreement which held briefly. I thought my child was residing out of town with her mother for 4 months, when in fact, she was only 12 minutes away. At this point I immediately asked a friend in the law field for help. That friend came up with Demetria L. Graves. Upon meeting Ms. Graves, I was immediately impressed with her demeanor. Previous potential counselors were unnecessarily "cut-throat." One went as far as to say "I'll get you full custody and MAKE her pay you support. We'll stick it to her!" This coming from a lawyer at a large and well-to-do firm. Demetria asked me what I wanted, as opposed to telling me what to do just to get even. She understood my position and respected it. Demetria also never hesitated to tell me when my approach to the situation was wrong. She moved quickly and her assistant, Sabrina, kept me informed every step of the way, via phone, email, and mail. Access to her newsletter led me to hold Demetria in even higher regard as a person truly dedicated to their field and wanting to help others understand it. I now have joint custody of my little girl, with equal time/expenses shared. All I wanted was fair treatment for my Baby Girl, which is; both parents in her life. I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel. - Crescen Bacon- Crescen Bacon
-
I came into Attorney Graves office as I imagine most do, at one of the worst times in my life. I was full of anger and questions, and I needed help. Demetria started answering my questions, and immediately helped me understand the process and the best ways to get through it. Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people. She was there to help me get the best results, and came through every time, including helping me retain custody of my three kids. I have already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so. - Brian Beck- Brian Beck
-
I cannot express enough my gratitude for the efforts made to my case. Demetria was truly attentive, patient and essentially was able to close my case with ease. I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again. - John Williams- John Williams
-
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Demetria for the excellent work I received from her firm. When I first came to her office with my child custody case, I was distraught and afraid of what was to come in the months ahead. She was considerate and compassionate and best of all she gave me hope, which I had not received from any other attorney. I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm. - Aurora- Aurora
-
I was going through a difficult time financially and was unsure about filing bankruptcy partly because of the complexity of it and mainly because of the social ramifications of doing so. Working with both Sabrina and Demetria was great! When there was something I didn't understand (even if they had to repeat themselves on numerous occasions), I was always treated with both respect and patience as they explained what it was I didn't grasp. I was even encouraged to meet Demetria so as to sit down and answer any final questions before she filed my paperwork. Even after the BK was discharged, they encouraged me to call if I had any more questions - which I did. They are a class-act to follow. I highly recommend anyone, who is contemplating filing a bankruptcy, to give their office a call and consult with Demetria so as to explore your options. It will be one of the most important phone calls in your financial life! - LS- LS
-
When I came to see Demetria for the first time, I was confused and scared. However, Demetria has always been honest and straightforward about what I should expect. Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly - and there are many! She truly has been a breath of sanity in a sea of Chaos. - Eliot Trainer- Eliot Trainer
