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When a family is faced with a difficult situation, such as a divorce or child custody dispute, it can be incredibly overwhelming. It’s important to have the right attorney in your corner so you know that you have the best chance of getting the outcome that you want.
Child custody is an important issue in family law. There are two main types of custody: legal and physical.
Legal custody determines the parent who has the authority to make decisions on behalf of a child. Physical custody, on the other hand, determines which parent the child lives with.
There may be shared physical or legal custody, where both parents have some responsibility for making decisions and taking care of their children, or one parent may have sole physical and/or legal custody.
There may also be joint legal and physical custody, where the child splits time between both parents’ homes, or supervised visitation rights if one parent is deemed a risk to the child’s safety or well-being.
In California, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child.
Generally, the courts will try to ensure that both parents are involved in a child’s life and given equal access to their children.
However, if domestic violence or other factors have been present in the relationship between the parents, then the court may decide that one parent should have sole custody. In this case, supervised visitation may be ordered for the non-custodial parent.
When determining a child custody case, the court will consider many factors, such as each parent’s living situation and financial stability, any history of domestic violence or abuse, and how well each parent can provide physical and emotional support for the child. The court will also take into account any special needs that a child might have during a custody case.
Hiring an experienced child custody lawyer can be an invaluable asset in determining the best interests of your children. I have knowledge and experience with the laws pertaining to child custody, visitation rights, and support obligations.
As a lawyer specializing in child custody cases in San Mateo County, I am knowledgeable about local laws and regulations concerning child custody. I understand the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for children during custody disputes.
In addition to understanding California state law regarding child custody, I also stay informed of any changes or amendments to the local laws and regulations related to this matter. It is my mission to provide clients with the most up-to-date information regarding their cases and to ensure that the best interests of the children are taken into consideration when making decisions about their future.
As a child custody lawyer, I am skilled in negotiating settlements that protect the best interests of the children involved. My experience has taught me how to approach any situation with compassion and understanding for all parties. I focus on finding a resolution that meets the needs of both parents and children.
During negotiations, I listen intently to each party’s concerns and take into account the individual needs of each family member. I prioritize finding an agreement that is mutually beneficial for all involved in child custody disputes. I also strive to ensure that any agreement reached is legally binding and enforceable by law.
I have extensive experience in representing parents in child custody disputes. I have represented clients in a variety of scenarios and am comfortable advocating for either parent. Before making any decisions, I work closely with both parents to understand their goals and objectives. I then work with the court to ensure that those objectives are met while also protecting the rights of the children involved.
My knowledge of the relevant laws pertaining to child custody disputes allows me to provide informed counsel and make strong arguments on behalf of my clients. My ability to maintain professionalism and remain composed throughout court proceedings has been invaluable in helping reach an outcome that serves both parties best interests.
When dealing with a tough custody battle, it is important to have the representation of an experienced and reputable lawyer. The Law Offices of Bradley Bayan is a Redwood City law firm that specializes in family law matters, such as child custody disputes. Contact the Law Offices of Bradley Bayan at (650) 364-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
Mr. Bayan is always frank with the client. It is not unusual for parents to be concerned about the parent child relationship once the couple is no longer residing together, so he makes sure to lay out exactly how custody and visitation works. His approach is to reassure his client so together they can come up with a workable plan that is supportive of the child given the new circumstances.
Visitation is the plan for how each parent will spend time with their child or children. In California, a child’s main physical custody may be primarily with one parent with the other parent having visitation according to a schedule. Visitation should be reasonable and as ample as possible. Visitation can vary based on age of the children, the schedule of the parents and as always on the best interests of the child.
The goal of visitation is for the child to be able to spend time with each parent so they can enjoy the love and support of both father and mother. Parents do well to promote access to the other parent through physical visits and even through modern amenities like phone calls and Facetime sessions. As a parent, you do not want your child to feel that they are being cut off from the other parent by you or your actions.
Having said that, it is also the obligation of the non physical custodial parent to visit reliably and consistently. When it is your time with your child, make that a priority. Sharing your time with your child will show them that you love them and care about them.
Child custody in California is determined on a case-by-case basis. The court’s primary concern when determining custody arrangements is the best interest of the child, which includes taking into account the safety of the child. For example, if a parent has a history of domestic abuse or drug use, these factors may affect the custody and the visitation plan. A parent with those issues may have to have supervised visitation, meaning the visits are overseen by the other parent, another adult (relative, friend), or a supervising agency monitor like a social worker. Visits take place in a safe, controlled location.
In determining child custody, parents also have input by working out their custody plan and suggesting this to the court. If the court sees no problem with the plan as viewed with the child’s best interests at heart, the court can agree with and approve the custody arrangements suggested. The court will consider all relevant factors, such as the parent’s work schedules, living arrangements, and ability to meet the child’s needs. Visitation plans should be designed to make sure the child is able to attend school, enjoy time with friends and extracurricular activities, and have consistent time to eat and sleep – things they did before their parents separated. Co-parenting with respect, reliability, and flexibility will bring happy rewards to both children and parents.
Changing custody or visitation plans is sometimes necessary, and it is important to understand the legal requirements for doing so. As situations change, you may need to modify custody arrangements or visitation times. For example, if a parent gets a new job that takes them too far away to have their child visit daily/weekly.
To begin the process, it is best to contact an attorney who specializes in child custody and visitation, like Mr. Bayan. He can provide advice about what is in the best interests of the child as well as help guide you through any court proceedings that may be necessary.
It is important to seek professional legal advice before proceeding with any changes. The child custody plan filed with the court is the one in force. When significant changes occur, a new plan should be formally made and have the court’s approval. Mr. Bayan will be able to advise you on how best to navigate the process, negotiate a new plan, address changes in child support, and make sure that any changes are made in accordance with the best interests of your child.
For unmarried couples, legally establishing paternity is a critical part of gaining visitation for a father. Without the legal establishment of paternity, a father does not have legal rights to visit his child or make decisions for his child. Establishing paternity is also necessary to establish child support obligations.
Paternity can easily be established by having both parents voluntarily signing a Declaration of Paternity, making them legal parents of the child. The couple can sign it at the hospital when the child is born or sign it later and have it filed with the California Department of Child Support Services.
If paternity is in question, either the father or mother may initiate a case to establish paternity and have the court legally identify the father. Once paternity has been established, both parents have the right to request and receive legal recognition of their rights as parents, including custody requests, visitation, and child support.
If you are concerned about how to obtain your rights for visitation or how to work out a visitation plan, do not hesitate to speak with Bradley Bayan. Mr. Bayan has the knowledge and experience to help you in these matters. He understands your rights and responsibilities under California law.
Contact the Law Offices of Bradley Bayan at (650) 364-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
Law Offices of Bradley D. Bayan is a full-scale civil law firm dealing with family law legal matters, including dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody and visitation, child support, and domestic violence.
© Law Offices of Bradley D. Bayan. All Rights Reserved.
© Law Offices of Bradley D. Bayan. All Rights Reserved.