Riverside & Temecula Child Custody Law Firm

Child Custody, Child Support, Adoption & Visitation Lawyer

Child Custody Overview

Child custody refers to the physical placement of a child and the parent-child relationship.  Child custody is usually broken into 2 separate categories; physical custody and legal custody.  Physical custody refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis.  Legal custody refers to the responsibility and rights of a parent to make decisions pertaining to the child’s education, religion, medical issues, etc. 

In California, there are typically four scenarios for child custody:  sole physical custody, joint physical custody, sole legal custody, or joint legal custody.  When sole custody is awarded, one parent is considered the custodial parent, and is solely responsible for the safety and well-being of the child.  In cases where joint custody is awarded, both parents share responsibility for the security of the child.  This is especially true in cases involving joint physical custody, where the child lives with each parent for a set period of time. 

Visitation

Even though a parent may not be awarded joint or sole custody, he/she may still be entitled to visitation rights.  Visitation grants parents, grandparents, and other close relatives the right to spend time with the child.  The length and dates of the visits are usually agreed upon by the parents, but may be determined by the family court.  In some cases, the court may require that the visits between parent and child be supervised by a court appointed parenting professional. 

Child Custody Problems

Parents often encounter child custody disputes.  Conflicts can arise if one parent decides to relocate or if a parent violates the custody arrangement terms.  When parents find themselves involved in custody disputes, they have to take into consideration what is in the best interest of the best interest of their child.  However, this can be very difficult for parents to do because of the sensitive emotions that tend to be involved. 

For this reason, it is always a good idea to seek counsel from an experienced Riverside family law attorney.  A child custody lawyer can review the case and inform the parent of his/her legal options.  In some cases, a family law attorney can bring the custody case back to court for review by a judge who may change terms of the child custody order.  A lawyer can also provide the parent with family law resources and access to family mediators and professionals. 

How to Get Child Custody in Riverside

A parent who is wishing to seek custody of his/her child must file for custody in the home state of the child.  In California, this requirement is outlined in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). 

Parents usually decide to file for child custody during divorce or legal separation proceedings.  Unmarried parents tend to file for child custody after they have decided to break up.  In either situation, both the mother and the father have the legal right to file for child custody.  Parents who wish to have custody of their child will have to file a petition for custody with their local family court.  Once the petition is filed by one or both of the parents, the case will progress to court and be reviewed by a judge. 

If you are thinking about filing for child custody, you should speak with a qualified riverside family law attorney who has extensive child custody case experience.  A child custody lawyer can help you file your petition and prepare you throughout the legal process.  A family law attorney can also make sure that your case is efficiently handled and your needs are addressed.  Contact the Riverside child custody attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael R. Young for more information!

Who Will Get Custody?

The outcome of each child custody case will vary.  It is up to the court to determine which parent will get custody of the child or if both parents will share custody of the child.  In every child custody case, the court must always consider what will ultimately be in the best interest of the child.  This means that the child’s needs are considered a priority versus the wishes of the parents.

Before the courts make a child custody order, the following may be considered:

• the age of the child
• the preference of the child (if the child is of a certain age)
• the child’s current living arrangements
• the child’s current school arrangements
• the child’s health
• each parent’s health
• each parent’s income
• each parent’s living situation
• each parent’s employment situation

After carefully reviewing each of these factors, the court will make a decision that will benefit the long-term interest of the child/children. 

Riverside Child Custody Attorney

If you plan to file for child custody, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced Riverside family law attorney who is extremely knowledgeable of California child custody law.  By working closely with a credible Riverside lawyer, you will receive the answers and direction you need throughout your child custody case.  You will also receive the representation you need to be successful in court and out of court.  A Riverside child custody attorney can provide you with extensive resources and legal options, which can make a positive difference in the outcome of your custody proceedings. 

At the Law Offices of Michael R. Young, we have been helping clients and their families for years.  Contact our Law Offices today for your free case evaluation.

We represent clients with child custody, child support, and adoption matters in:  Riverside, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, Hemet, and Murrieta counties.