Putting Your Children First In Custody Cases

When it comes to creating custody agreements and parenting plans, parents in California who are divorcing or separating have to be mindful of their children’s best interests. Ideally, parents will be able to draft a plan that allows their children to have ongoing and meaningful relationships with both parents. In many situations, this is easier said than done. One parent may think their parenting style is superior to the other parent’s. One parent may have to relocate out of the family’s longtime neighborhood. When parents cannot agree to a suitable child custody arrangement, the family court may have to get involved to settle their differences.

A qualified family law attorney can help you develop a child custody agreement that everyone can support. At Contreras Law Firm, in San Diego, our lawyers represent parents in a wide variety of complex child custody and visitation matters. They know how the law can affect the outcome of your decisions. They can help you understand the law surrounding these sometimes contentious proceedings. They will assist you with making choices for taking an optimal approach to securing an agreement that provides you with the access to your child you want and deserve.

There Are Many Paths To Establishing Child Custody Arrangements

If you are unable to create a child custody and visitation agreements on your own, we can discuss how to draft one through mediation or other collaborative law methods. These procedures allow parents to come together to draft their own child custody agreement without the need for a court or judge to become involved. Child custody arrangements resolved in mediation avoid the stress and undue financial burden of trial.

However, if you have a difficult relationship with the other parent, mediation and other collaborative law tactics will not be a feasible option. At this point, you may have to hire a family law attorney well-trained in litigation as well. A court will take into account the best interests of the child in determining a custody or visitation arrangement, as well as the following factors:

• The children’s preferences (if they are of an age to make decisions)
• The residences of both parents
• The ability of both parents to get along and make decisions affecting the child
• The parents’ work schedules
• The living conditions the child would receive under each parent’s care
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the children’s basic needs
• History of abuse or other dangerous behavior on the part of either parent

If you are in the process of going through a divorce or child custody dispute, you may already realize how critical it is to hire a family law attorney who knows the law and is not afraid to speak up for your rights. The lawyers at Contreras Law Firm have extensive experience in handling child custody disputes, and they understand what an important role your children play in your life.

Meet With Our Attorneys To Learn More About Your Case

To discuss your custody or parenting time concerns with our team, please call our office at 619-908-1495 today for your initial free consultation. We are ready to help you find solutions focused on your child’s best interests.