Deciding child custody can be contentious. As any good parent does, you love your children, and the prospect of a custody case being decided in court can make you feel like people are trying to take them away from you (or at least, partly so). This can cause panic, stress, and anger, which is why it is so important to have strong legal representation on your side. The right firm will help you see through the emotions to gain clarity on what to do, and will fight for your parental rights and your relationship with your children!
The Lake Elsinore custody lawyers of The Grey Legal Group can guide you through the legal process and help you make decisions that are in the best interest of your family. Reach out to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team and learn how we can help you pursue choices that will best serve your family.
Understanding Child Custody Decisions In California
When the court decides child custody, a judge typically endeavors to make decisions that are in the “best interest” of the child. Generally, it is believed that having access to both parents is good for healthy childhood development, so most often a court will award some level of custody to both parents or, at least, visitation.
However, there are situations in which it might not be in the best interest of the child for both parents to have access to them. For example, if one parent is proven to be abusive or suffering from a substance addiction, it could be debilitating to the health of the child to be left in the care of that parent.
When you begin the child custody process, you are likely to have questions about what different terms for child custody means or which phrases refer to concepts you already know. In order for you to understand some of the common terms used in making custody decisions, here is a quick rundown of a few that are typically used:
- Legal custody: When a parent has legal custody of their child, they are empowered to make decisions pertaining to the child, including where they will go to school, what chores they will complete, and how their healthcare will be covered. Parents can share legal custody of a child.
- Physical custody: When a parent has physical custody, it means that their child lives with them. Likewise, parents can share physical custody of a child.
- Joint custody: Joint custody means that parents both have some level of custody of their child. Joint custody can be arranged equally or one parent might have more custody time than another.
How Our Lake Elsinore Custody Lawyers Can Help Arrange Child Custody
When a judge is trying to arrange custody, they will ask a lot of questions to determine the dynamics of your family and the needs of your child. Our Lake Elsinore custody lawyers will help you navigate these questions and make an argument for why the custody arrangement you prefer is the one that reflects the best interest of your child. Some of the questions that you will likely encounter include but are not limited to:
- Who has been the primary caregiver for the child?
- Who can provide the child with more stability?
- Who is better financially positioned to provide the child with what they need?
- With whom does the child prefer to live?
- Who has more time to dedicate to the child?
And more! Since every child is unique and has different needs, we can help you paint a portrait of the time you have spent raising your child and how you can provide for them in the future.
The Grey Legal Group Can Help With Your Custody Arrangement
The Grey Legal Group cares about you and your children, and we want to do what’s best for your family. We will advocate for the needs of you and your child and fight for the custody arrangement that will be best for your family. Reach out to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team, and we will guide you on how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to pay child support?
Child support depends on a number of factors, including the needs of the child and the financial position of each parent. One way or the other, you are expected to contribute financially to the raising of your child.
Does my child get a say in the custody arrangement?
Depending on the age of the child, a judge might take into consideration their preferences for how custody is arranged.
Can I refuse visitation if my spouse stops paying child support?
No. Alterations to custody plans, including visitation, can only be made by the court.
