When two people have a child and are not married, they are going to need a child custody agreement. When a married couple has a child and gets divorced, then they need a child custody agreement. Regardless of your situation, if you are in need of a child custody agreement then you are in need of a consultation with a family law attorney in Ontario CA. Read on to learn more and then contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell at 909-482-1422 for a consultation.
Factors affecting California custody agreements
As far as the court is concerned, there is just one guiding factor in a custody dispute: What is best for the child. In order for the court to assign custody and / or visitation, they are going to consider a wide range of factors. This includes the health (both physical and mental) of the parents, the moral fitness of the parents, how long the child has lived in the environment they are currently in and whether it is stable or not, and how able either parent is to provide a stable routine for the child.
If the court decides that the child is able to make decisions about their future, then they may take the child’s opinion into consideration. The court will also look at how able either parent is to meet the developmental needs of the child. Finally, if there are any domestic violence situations in the past of the family then that will be taken into consideration.
A family law attorney in Ontario CA can help with custody and visitation even if you are not a biological parent
In the state of California, just about anyone who has a strong bond with a child can request visitation and possibly custody, depending on the situation. For example, a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative could petition the court. The court will first look to see if the request is going to interfere with the rights of the parent.
Child custody agreements can be modified
When a custody agreement is created and agreed to, the goal should be to find the best long-term solution to the issues at hand. However, keep in mind that it is possible to modify a child custody agreement. For example, if the needs of the child changes or the financial resources of either parent changes significantly, then modification may be necessary.
Call today for help with child custody needs
Regardless of where you are today, whether you are ready to begin the fight for custody or you have an agreement in place and need a modification, Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell is here to help. You can contact our offices at 909-482-1422 to set up your consultation. Work with an experienced attorney who will work tirelessly for the best possible outcome for your child.
