Child custody disputes can be one of the most emotional aspects of a divorce or separation. When the well-being of your children is at stake, it’s crucial to ensure that your parental rights are protected, and that the final custody arrangement is in the best interests of your child. This is where a family law attorney comes in. At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP, our experienced attorneys are committed to helping parents navigate the complexities of child custody disputes. Keep reading to learn how a family law attorney in Fontana CA can help you with your child custody case!
Understanding the Types of Child Custody
Before diving into how a family law attorney can assist, it’s important to understand the two main types of child custody in California: legal custody and physical custody.
Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing. This includes their education, healthcare, and religious instruction. Parents can share legal custody (joint legal custody) or one parent can have sole legal custody.
Physical custody refers to where the child will live and who will be responsible for their day-to-day care. As with legal custody, physical custody can be joint (where the child spends time living with both parents) or sole (where the child lives primarily with one parent).
Advocating for Your Parental Rights
Child custody cases can be highly contentious. In some cases, one parent may attempt to minimize the other parent’s role or prevent them from having meaningful time with the child. This is where having a family law attorney in Fontana CA becomes crucial. Your attorney will advocate for your parental rights, ensuring that your voice is heard throughout the process.
Navigating Mediation and Negotiations
In many child custody cases, parents can resolve their disputes through mediation rather than going to court. A family law attorney can represent you during mediation, helping you negotiate a custody arrangement that prioritizes your child’s well-being. Your attorney will also ensure that any agreements reached during mediation are fair and in line with California custody laws.
Representing You in Court
If mediation or settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your child custody case may go to court. In these situations, having an experienced family law attorney in Fontana CA to represent you is essential. Custody hearings can be complex, and the court will consider many factors when deciding on a custody arrangement. These factors include:
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s preference (depending on their age)
- Any history of abuse or neglect
- The stability of each parent’s home environment
Your family law attorney will present evidence and arguments to support your case, ensuring that your parental rights are protected.
Contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP for Help with Child Custody Cases in Fontana CA
Child custody disputes can be stressful and emotional, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP, we are dedicated to helping parents in Fontana CA resolve custody issues and achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether you need help establishing a custody arrangement, modifying an existing order, or enforcing your parental rights, we are here to provide the legal support you need. Contact us today at 909-482-1422 to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Fontana CA!
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