Glendale Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Child's Best Interests 

At Holmes & Holmes, our Glendale child custody lawyers are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality of representation possible. Backed by decades of experience, we have seen how child custody and visitation rights issues can tear a family apart. This is why it is imperative to retain attorneys who are both caring and capable. Making sure our clients fully understand their rights is one of the most important aspects of our job.

With five highly skilled lawyers, our family law practice has been able to provide compassionate yet aggressive legal representation to every client we serve. If you are going through a divorce and are worried about parental rights, seeking effective legal counsel should be your top priority.

Guidance on Preparing for Child Custody in Glendale

If you have children with your spouse and are seeking a divorce, child custody and visitation rights are something you need to prepare for. Divorce can be a difficult adjustment for children, which is why custody terms need to be dealt with carefully. While California law generally prefers to award joint legal custody where both parents can make legal decisions regarding their child/children, there are other types of custody that to be aware of.

Child Custody Options in California

We help our clients understand the different types of custody and visitation rights, including:

• Sole custody, in which one parent is awarded both physical and legal custody
• Joint custody, in which both parents share equal time with, and equal custody of the child
• Legal custody, in which the parent can make legal decisions regarding the health, education, religion, and other important matters of the child
• Physical custody, in which custody is awarded to the parent with whom the child will live

For a parent to gain sole custody, you must be able to prove to the courts that this arrangement is in the child's best interests. The courts will evaluate your current relationship with the child, how stable the home environment is, if the other parent has not been able to meet the child's needs, as examples.

Determining Custody Arrangements in California

California courts prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody and visitation arrangements. A Glendale child custody lawyer can help you understand how the court evaluates various factors to make its decision.

Some of the most critical factors include:

• Each parent's ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child.
• The child’s emotional bond with both parents. 
• The parent’s ability to co-parent.
• Depending on the child’s age and maturity, the court may take their preferences into account.
• Each parent’s living situation, lifestyle, and ability to provide stability.
• History of domestic violence or substance abuse.

Your Visitation Rights in Glendale

In addition to child custody rights, visitation rights might also need to be outlined, such as how much time a non-custodial parent can spend with the child, where that visitation can take place, and whether that visitation needs to be supervised.

There are several forms of visitation available in California, depending on the circumstances.

• Standard Visitation: In cases where parents share custody, the non-custodial parent is typically awarded a standard visitation schedule. This could include visitation on weekends, holidays, or special occasions. A Glendale child custody lawyer can help negotiate a schedule that works for both parents and their child.
• Supervised Visitation: In situations where the court determines there are safety concerns, supervised visitation may be ordered. This means the non-custodial parent can only see the child when another person, such as a family member or professional supervisor, is present.

Child custody should always be about what's best for the child or children involved. Custody battles can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when the parties cannot come to an agreement on their own. If you are in a tough spot and need the intervention of a strong legal team, Holmes & Holmes is the firm for you.

Why Both Parents Matter in a Child's Life

When it comes to the children in the family, divorce can be a traumatic experience for them. Children may feel lost or frightened when the entire family unit is no longer present in one home. They may have concerns about where they will live or how often they will see one or both parents. In high-tension divorce situations, children may also feel the need to choose sides or even protect one parent from the other. These intense emotions can force children to grow up too quickly and place undue responsibility upon themselves.

It is vital that both parents try their best to keep tensions down at home in front of the children during a divorce. All issues should be dealt with away from where the children can see or hear. Both parents should try their best to promote a healthy relationship between the children and the other parent, regardless of any personal feelings one parent has against the other. Children should not feel as though they must choose sides. Parents must remain strong for their children.

Modifying Custody and Visitation Orders in California

Child custody and visitation orders are not set in stone. If there is a significant change in circumstances, either parent may petition the court to modify the existing arrangement. This could include a change in work schedules, relocation, or issues with a parent’s ability to care for the child.

To modify a custody or visitation order, the parent seeking the change must demonstrate that there has been a substantial change in circumstances that justifies the modification. A Glendale child custody attorney can help you present a strong case for modification by gathering evidence and presenting a compelling argument for why the change is in the child’s best interest.

How Long Does a Child Custody Case Take in California?

The length of a child custody case in California varies depending on the complexity of the case, the level of conflict between the parents, and the court's schedule. Generally, there are a few key stages in the process:

• Initial Filings: Once a petition for custody is filed, the court will set a hearing date. This can happen within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the court’s schedule.
• Mediation: In California, parents are often required to attend mediation before a judge makes a final decision. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the availability of mediators and the parents’ ability to agree on a custody plan.
• Court Hearings: If mediation fails and the case proceeds to a formal court hearing, it could take several months to schedule. In complex cases involving allegations of abuse, substance abuse, or other serious concerns, the case may take longer due to the need for investigations or expert testimony.
• Final Decision: After hearings, the judge will make a custody ruling, which can take a few weeks after the final hearing to issue.

On average, a straightforward child custody case in California can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, but cases involving disputes or complications may extend beyond a year. It's also important to note that temporary custody orders can be made while awaiting a final decision, which can help establish interim custody and visitation schedules.

Advocating for Your Child's Future in Glendale

At Holmes & Holmes, we understand that child custody disputes can be emotionally challenging and overwhelming. Our team of experienced Glendale child custody lawyers is dedicated to protecting the best interests of your children throughout the legal process.

When it comes to child custody, our firm focuses 100% on what is best for your children. We believe that their well-being should always be the top priority, and we strive to create custody arrangements that promote stability, happiness, and healthy development.

Our attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience in handling various child custody cases, including:

• Joint custody
• Sole custody
• Physical custody
• Legal custody

We understand that every family is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific circumstances and goals. Whether you are seeking primary custody, visitation rights, or modifications to an existing custody arrangement, our team will provide you with personalized guidance and representation.

Contact Holmes & Holmes today to schedule a consultation and discuss your child custody concerns. We are committed to helping you navigate the legal complexities and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.