Child Custody Attorney in Valencia, CA

Child Custody & Visitation

In California, it is the goal that each parent have equal custody of their children. When the parents cannot agree (stipulate) to a custody and visitation arrangement, the court will make the final determination by looking at the best interests of the child(ren). In determining custody, there is both legal custody and physical custody that must be determined. Legal custody gives the parent authority to be apart of all major decisions that affect the child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody refers to the actual physical presence with the parent. Joint physical custody does not necessarily mean that the parents have equal time with the child, but that each parent has significant periods of physical custody with the child.

The two policies that the court will use to determine the best interest’s of the child(ren) are:

• The health, safety and welfare of the child(ren) must be the courts primary concern, and
• The understanding that the child(ren) will benefit from frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

If you are unable to agree to custody and/or visitation, it is important that you have an advocate on your side to help you fight for your rights to custody and visitation with your child.

At Barnholtz & Kugler, we have extensive experience in dealing with both custody and visitation conflicts and can help you achieve the best outcome for you and your child(ren). Even if both parents are in agreement regarding custody and visitation, there are many additional details that should be included in a custody and visitation agreement in order to make clear all of the rights and obligations each parent has on an ongoing basis. This can alleviate the need to go back to court in the future to resolve issues between the parties. Let us help you create a detailed parenting plan to avoid conflicts.

Contact a Valencia custody lawyer from our firm for your initial consultation!