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 San Diego family law attorney can help you develop a child custody agreement that everyone can support. At Contreras Law Firm, in San Diego, our child custody 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.
Contreras Law Firm is the Firm to Turn to When You Need a San Diego Child Custody Attorney
If you need a San Diego child custody attorney, there is one clear choice: Contreras Law Firm. Our skilled and compassionate legal team takes a unique approach to custody cases, focusing on the big picture to help ensure you end up with a custody arrangement that makes sense for your specific goals.
When it comes to something as important as time with your children, there is no substitute for getting top-notch legal advice. You should turn to Contreras Law Firm to provide that advice because:
- Our long history in child custody cases has given us the knowledge and perspective to help you fight for the best outcome.
- We’re cautious about how we proceed, fighting for your interests at every step while also aiming to keep costs down and considering your ongoing need to co-parent when your custody dispute is over.
- We represent parents even in complex custody situations such as when there is a dispute over parentage.
- With our creative, informed approach, we can help many couples resolve their custody disputes without the need for litigation — either in mediation or during negotiations. This makes future co-parenting easier by avoiding animosity and it also provides substantial financial savings.
- We are experienced litigators, ready to fight in court and prove that your preferred custody plan is in the best interests of your child if no compromise can be found.
Our firm can represent parents in both initial custody disputes and in custody modifications and move/away or relocation cases. We provide representation to married parents, single parents, same-sex couples, and others who need a compassionate advocate to help them ensure they have the opportunity to be an active, involved presence in their child’s life.
How Can a San Diego Child Custody Attorney Help You?
A San Diego child custody attorney at Contreras Law Firm can work with you throughout your entire custody case. Our firm provides invaluable services including:
- Helping you to initiate custody proceedings
- Helping to establish legal parentage for purposes of initiating custody proceedings
- Explaining different types of custody arrangements including sole, primary, and joint custody
- Helping you to understand the differences between physical and legal custody and argue for your right to both care for your child and make decisions on their behalf
- Working with you to create an out-of-court parenting plan so you can make decisions that are best for your child and family while also saving money on custody proceedings
- Advocating for you in court and helping you to demonstrate that the custody arrangement you are hoping for is in your child’s best interest as the judge will use the best interests of the child standard in order to decide how parents should share time.
Throughout the entirety of the process, we’ll aim to implement cost-effective solutions that secure your interests and protect your ongoing relationship with your child so you can move forward. We can also represent you during divorce proceedings and advocate for you in a child support claim if you are also ending your marriage or seeking support along with pursuing a custody order.
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 San Diego Child Custody Attorneys To Learn More About Your Case
To discuss your custody or parenting time concerns with our team, please call our office at (619) 238-0616 today for your initial free consultation. We are ready to help you find solutions focused on your child’s best interests.