Going through divorce is difficult, but going through divorce with kids is a really difficult scenario for many parents. Naturally you want to shield your child as much as possible from the legal complications, and of course you want to make moves that are in their best interest. However, it’s natural to have fears of losing time with your child or missing out on big life events.
The Sun City custody lawyers of The Grey Legal Group want you to know that, with qualified legal counsel, your child’s future is in great hands. We will advise you on every move you make so that you are always confident that you are doing what’s right for your family.
Reach out to schedule a free initial case assessment with a member of our team and learn how we can help you safeguard your and your child’s future!
California And Child Custody
When the court makes decisions regarding child custody, they are trying to serve the “best interest” of your child. “Best interest” is the standard by which all judges will craft your child custody decisions–not what is most wanted by the parents, but what is the ideal choice for the child.
In most cases, access and care from both parents is the ideal goal of a custody arrangement. It is proven to be good for childhood development when both parents are present in the life of the child. Therefore, custody is likely to be shared.
However, there are occasions in which it is in the best interest of the child to be separated from one or both parents. If a parent is abusive, for example, or suffers from a debilitating addiction, they are unlikely to be awarded custody, though they might still get supervised visitation. In extremely rare cases, the court might decide that neither parent is fit to retain custody of their child.
There are several ways in which custody can be arranged and several ways to refer to custody. For example:
- Legal custody: The parent with legal custody is empowered to make the parenting decisions for their child that include where they will live, go to school, have their bedtime, visit the doctor, and so on.
- Physical custody: If a parent has physical custody of a child, they are with whom the child is living.
- Joint custody: Parents who share joint custody of a child share legal and physical custody. Joint arrangements are not always evenly divided–they can break down as 50/50, or some parents might get more or less time with their child.
How Our Sun City Custody Lawyers Can Help
When you are arranging child custody, you will have to answer many questions that will determine how best to break down your arrangement. In order to determine the needs of your child and decide what will be in their best interest, a judge might ask questions such as:
- Who has been the primary caregiver for the child?
- Who has a schedule better able to accommodate the child?
- Who has more funds to raise the child?
- Who can provide better living accommodations?
- What arrangement would provide the most stability?
- If they are old enough, what is the child’s preference?
Our Sun City custody lawyers can help you pursue the arrangement that will be best for your child, as well as help you with every step of the process so that you are always aware of your options and outcomes.
If you and your co-parent can reach an agreement outside of court, you will have more control over the outcome, but if you need to go to court, our lawyers can advocate for your position!
The Grey Legal Group Can Fight For Your Family
The lawyers of The Grey Legal Group have over 75 years of cumulative experience helping parents fight for what’s best for their children. We will do everything it takes to reach a successful resolution. Reach out to schedule a free case assessment with a member of our team to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can custody be modified after a decision is reached?
Yes. You can speak to your lawyer about custody modification, especially if there is a significant change of circumstances for either parent, such as a job change or a move.
Can I move out of state after a custody decision is reached?
If you share custody of a child, you will need to consult the court about your options for moving, though there is not much chance you will be able to take your child with you. If you have sole custody of your child, consult with legal counsel before making any changes to your living arrangement.
Will it negatively impact my custody case if I travel a lot for work?
The court will take many factors into account while deciding custody, including the amount of time you have to spend with your child. Traveling extensively for work will not necessarily endanger your custody case, but the court might try to arrange custody to fit in with your schedule.
