The family law attorney you hire can make all the difference in how your case is resolved. Child custody is one of the most emotional issues that can be raised during a divorce or separation. It is important to find an attorney that will treat your case with the compassion, skill and professionalism necessary. Our Manhattan custody lawyers have extensive knowledge of custody laws and are committed to resolving disputes in the most efficient manner possible.
When it comes to child custody, there are many options available to parents. The most common arrangement involves both parents sharing legal and physical custody of the children. This allows each parent to have an equal role in the child’s life and provides both with frequent and continuing contact with their child. In some cases, the court will order sole custody to a single parent or will require that the child live with a certain person or institution, usually an extended family member.
Depending on the circumstances, some courts will conduct a thorough investigation into each parent’s ability to care for and protect the child. This can include interviews, psychological exams and other tests to help the judge determine what is in the best interests of the child. The judge will take into account the wishes of the child, if he or she is old enough to express them, and other mitigating factors that may be relevant.
In some cases, the judge will order that visitation be supervised to ensure that the safety of the child is maintained. This is often done in cases involving domestic violence or abuse. If the judge finds that a particular parent is a danger to the child, they may prevent them from having contact with the child altogether or limit access to visitation rights.
A recent decision by the California Supreme Court has significantly restricted fathers’ rights in custody cases. The new rules allow a custodial parent, generally the mother, to move with the children if she can prove that it is in their best interest. This is a significant change that will have an impact on children and families across the state.
Regardless of the type of custody arrangement, both parents should try to work together and come up with a plan that is in the best interests of their child. This includes outlining how decisions are to be made, how each parent will be able to spend time with the child and other aspects of parenting. Those plans can be outlined in a custody and access agreement or in a court ordered custody judgment.
An experienced Child Custody Attorney in Sacramento can help to ease the burden on parents during this stressful and confusing time. They can explain the types of custody and visitation arrangements, manage deadlines and other paperwork that is necessary, and provide a sense of confidence that their client’s best interests are being represented. FindLaw’s custody and access section features a directory of local attorneys that are familiar with local family courts.