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.