Irvine Child Custody Attorneys
Serving Your Child’s Best Interests Throughout Orange County
Child custody disputes are among the most heavily contested issues in California divorce. At Michel & Rhyne, we understand the importance of protecting clients’ parental rights. Parents want to raise their children in their own homes and make important decisions regarding their children’s education, religion, and healthcare. Attorneys play a crucial role in determining the nature and extent of a parent’s rights towards their children following divorce. You need experienced attorneys you can trust to properly represent your parental interests.
Schedule a free initial case evaluation by calling us at (949) 666-7346 or filling out our online contact form. Our child custody lawyers in Irvine are here to help.
Components of California Child Custody: Legal & Physical Custody
Disputes over child custody in California involve two component parts—legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is a parent’s right to make fundamental decisions regarding their child’s upbringing. These decisions include where a child will attend school, which religion a child will follow, and whether a child will receive any medical treatment. Physical custody refers to the care and supervision of a child. Physical custody essentially designates with whom a child will live on a daily or weekly basis. A qualified family lawyer is vital in custody disputes because the outcome dictates to such a great extent a parent’s rights and involvement in their child’s life.
Differences Between Joint & Sole Child Custody
In California, both legal and physical child custody can be shared by both parents or granted solely to one parent. Parents in joint custody arrangements must cooperate with each other regarding fundamental parenting decisions, and are each entitled to frequent and substantial contact with the child. Even when one parent has sole custody of a child, the non-custodial parent is usually entitled to some type of visitation. You should also be prepared to address child support since the issue is typically raised in conjunction with custody.
Factors California Courts Consider in Deciding Child Custody
Like alimony, courts consider several relevant factors when making child custody determinations. Primary consideration is always given to a child’s overall best interests. Factors courts typically consider include a child’s health, safety, and welfare; either parent’s ability to provide a stable household; and whether a child already has an established living pattern. Experienced child custody lawyers can identify what sort of factors would be most relevant in your case.
If child custody is an issue in your divorce, contact our Irvine child custody lawyers at (949) 666-7346 today. We can help make sure your parental rights are properly represented.