Parents facing divorce and child custody matters are confronted with some of the most difficult life-changing decisions they will ever make. Most parents will want a child custody arrangement that maximizes the amount of time they will spend with their child. Because this issue is usually important to both parents, child custody disputes can quickly turn into a heated custody battle that will be physically and emotionally strenuous for everyone involved — particularly the children — and that will only add to the financial burden of the divorce.
When you are facing a child custody decision in divorce or separation, it is important to be prepared for the road ahead and to consult an experienced child custody lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you minimize the emotional and financial turmoil of the custody dispute. At the law office of David J. Crandall, we provide experienced, skilled legal representation to families throughout the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. Our family law attorneys help you understand the laws, explain the process and advise you throughout your case. Since 1974, our firm has helped parents find reasonable solutions to their child custody concerns. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with a skilled child custody attorney.
Understanding California Child Custody Laws
In all child custody and parenting plan arrangements, it is necessary to address the issues of physical custody, legal custody and child support. Physical custody refers to the home the children live in. Legal custody refers to decision-making authority. Decisions can involve education, religion, non-emergency medical treatment and extracurricular activities. The percentage of time spent with each parent (according to the child custody arrangement) will play a role in determining how child support payments will be calculated.
Encouraging Equal Time with Children
The California court system generally encourages equal time with children. In this situation, child custody arrangements would consist of joint physical and legal custody. However, even in joint physical custody situations, the children will still live primarily with one parent. In situations where the best interest of the children would indicate otherwise, shared parenting time may not be encouraged. These situations may involve domestic violence, child neglect, drug use or alcohol abuse.
Child Custody Modification
Our firm also helps people who have concerns about modifying child custody arrangements. Requests for modification of child custody may arise because a parent is moving to another part of the state or country and wishes to relocate the children as well, because the child requests it, or because of any other significant change in circumstances. Requests for modification of child support may arise because of a significant change in the financial situation of one or both parties, such as a job loss. We represent clients who wish to request or wish to contest proposed post divorce modifications.
Contact a Child Custody Lawyer
Obtain experienced, knowledgeable and caring legal advice through out your child custody dispute. Contact our firm in Calabasas, California, to arrange your consultation with a skilled child custody attorney.
Our law firm has been serving clients throughout the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County since 1974. Our fees are always competitively priced.
