Culver City Child Custody Lawyer

Need an Attorney for a Child Custody Case in Culver City?

How Do You Determine Child Custody in California?

When deciding on matters such as child custody or visitation, the court has to take several different factors into consideration. The court has full discretion when it comes to determining the custody rights of the parents.

In order to help them make their decision they typically look into the following factors:

• The child's wishes (if they are age 12 or older)
• The parents' preferences
• Which parent has more time to spend with the child
• Which parent will encourage visits and contact with the other parent
• How close the parents life to each other
• What type of relationship the child has with each parent

Keep in mind that there are many different types of child custody arrangements that the court can settle upon. The main forms of custody are in reference to legal custody and physic custody.

• Legal custody is the authority for the parent(s) to make legal decisions on the child's behalf. These decisions will be in regards to education, medical treatment, religious influences, and things of that nature.
• Physical custody is the awarded to the parent(s) that the child will live and reside will. If one parent is awarded sole physical custody, then the court will usually award the non-custodial parent certain visitation rights so that they can spend time with the child.

California State Custody Law: The Best Interests of the Child

State law impacts court decisions about child custody, and the state law is that courts should always rule in the best interests of the child. Generally, the best interest of the child would be to have both parents present and active in their daily life. However, sometimes there are cases where joint custody in not in the best interest of the child.

There are certain factors that could allow for one parent to be granted full custody of the child, including:

• Alcohol or drug abuse
• A history of criminal activities
• A proven record of child neglect or endangerment
• A history of child abuse or domestic violence

If the child isn't considered safe with their parents because the parents are "unfit," then typically the courts will award visitation or child custody to a third party like the grandparents.

How a Culver City Child Custody Attorney Can Help

Are you concerned about whether you will be granted custody of your children? Are you involved in a contentious divorce in which child custody is an issue? It may be that circumstances have changed and you need to go to court to modify an existing custody order. At our firm, we are highly skilled in managing and resolving simple and complex child custody matters, whether in negotiations prior to a divorce, or through litigation. We understand how important these matters are, and are prepared to analyze your situation and advise you of your options. All claims of child abuse, domestic violence, drug abuse or other accusations must be supported by fact. We know how to get the job done, and how important the welfare and safety of your children is to you, as a parent.

Searching for a lawyer for your child custody case in Inglewood? Our team of Culver City divorce lawyers is sensitive to your situation and we are ready to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Discuss the details of your case with us today by setting up your free initial consultation with one of our family lawyers.

Call us today at 310-905-8649 and speak with our Culver City child custody attorney so we can help you to seek a favorable resolution to this critical issue.

Child Custody Resource Links

• Child Custody & Divorce Resources
• Child Custody Basics
• Types of Child Custody in California
• Child Custody & Parenting Time Self Help