Handling child custody disputes in Orange County can take a tremendous toll on your heart and your mind. First having to undergo the painful separation from your spouse, and then having to discuss your child’s precious future in such a professional and legal setting. It’s not easy. Yet we know that the decision to divorce your spouse did not come without countless hours spent considering the impact it would have on you and your child. And after that time, you knew that this would be the best and possibly only path to a fulfilling life for the both of you. However, that does not make the choice any easier. You are most likely flooded with concerns, knowing that the negotiations made during the divorce process could drastically impact your son or daughter’s well-being. And for those who are not married to the mother or father and do not have the same legal protection as married couples, the concerns can multiply. Our team of child custody lawyers in Orange County wishes to make this process as efficient and simple as possible so that the bond you share with your child can flourish as it should. We understand that it takes not only meticulous attention to detail and vigorous representation but also compassion during this emotional time. And our child custody attorneys come equipped with all of that, having assisted families with child custody from La Habra to Huntington Beach to San Clemente and all cities in between. We want you to be matched with a lawyer who can best help you, which is why we offer Free Case Evaluations so that you can explore your options before having to make any decisions.
The best way to go through child custody during a divorce in California is through mediation. Through this, you can amicably come to conclusions regarding the physical and legal custody of your child that will give him or her the best possible life following the divorce. The judge will not make any decisions for you, so long as you and your spouse can agree on the terms of custody. Our child custody attorneys can help you with this process in one of two ways. First, we can act as your personal legal advisor, acting for your benefit and working to help you attain the situation you desire to best benefit your child. Alternatively, we can act as a mediation attorney for both you and your spouse, facilitating the discussion and mitigating conflicts. It is often the least emotionally taxing method, both for you and your child since it foregoes courtroom arguments before a judge. During this process, you will discuss your child’s living situation post-divorce (physical custody), visitation rights for one of or both the parents, and who will make which decisions regarding the child’s education, health, discipline, etc., and when (legal custody). Each of these topics is incredibly complex, and every decision you make could have unforeseen repercussions in the future. It is extremely important to go into mediation sessions with a lawyer who has worked in the Orange County courts specifically, and who has extensive experience and knowledge about child custody laws in California. A lawyer will also ensure that every detail is thoroughly discussed and recorded and protect the rights that you deserve as a loving parent.
Of course, not every divorce is able to be settled so peaceably, and many couples find themselves in the throes of courtroom litigation. During these cases, a judge is called to objectively intervene and make decisions on behalf of the child. They will always put the child’s well-being first, and none of the conclusions they reach are meant to punish and/or reward one parent or the other. If you find yourself in this circumstance, it is essential that you hire a lawyer to represent your interests or risk losing rights over your child. We will pinpoint the character traits and assets that make you an able parent and advocate fiercely for your rights. If you and/or your child have experienced or are experiencing abuse or neglect from your spouse, contact us for confidential and free legal advice immediately. We can walk you through the process of handling domestic violence cases and filing restraining orders if need be. But in addition, we provide a safe and compassionate place where you can take legal action to get the protection you need.
If you and your spouse were never married, child custody can become even more worrisome and complicated. Married couples, especially fathers, are not afforded the same legal protections that married ones have, and this can cause tremendous stress for those involved. Maybe you wish to be more involved in your child’s life, but find yourself at war with the other parent. If this is the case, call us as soon as possible for a consultation. We can assist you in proving parentage, requesting visitation or custody, and defending your natural rights as a parent. On the other hand, you might be a parent who dedicated countless hours to providing and caring for your son or daughter, and now find your bond threatened by the other parent requesting custody rights. In either circumstance, the situation can be heartbreaking and stressful. Yet our child custody attorneys will guide you to the Orange County courts, clarifying the details of the process and helping you craft a compelling case to protect your relationship with your child. You should not have to go through this alone.