Last month, the Los Angeles Child Support Services Department held several educational programs for parents who were interested in learning about child support. As Child Support Awareness Month comes to a close, it is important to ensure that parents still have access to important information about child support in California. In California, children are entitled…
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The number of California residents getting divorced may be steadily declining. However, the toll a divorce can take on children of separating parents is no less significant. If you and your spouse have children and are considering a divorce it is important to understand California’s child custody laws. The better you understand California child custody laws and the options you may have, the better prepared you can be to make important decisions regarding your child’s future. If you need more assistance, contact a child custody attorney in your area for more assistance.
Child custody is actually broken down into two distinct categories: legal custody and physical custody. Both types of custody must be arranged during a divorce or separation. Legal custody is a parent’s ability to participate in and make decisions about the well-being, safety, and health of their child. Physical custody is a parent’s right to have a physical presence in their child’s life. A parent who is not awarded physical custody – or who shares physical custody – may be awarded visitation. Visitation permits a non-custodial parent to be in the physical presence of a child.
Custody can be awarded to both parents (“joint custody”) or one parent in lieu of the other (“sole custody”). In most situations, California overwhelmingly prefers that parents share joint physical and legal custody of children. However, it would not be unusual for one parent to be awarded sole physical custody of a child while sharing joint legal custody. Several factors may be considered when determining the type of custody that is awarded (joint vs. sole) and to whom it is awarded.
Custody can be determined by divorcing parents or the California courts. Parents who are pursuing a divorce and agree about how custody should be arranged can define and agree to terms of custody without the influence or assistance of the courts. The terms become part of the divorce proceedings and binding when both parents sign the appropriate paperwork.
Parents who do not entirely agree to how custody should be arranged, but who want to avoid litigating the issue, can utilize tools such as mediation. In mediation, both parents present their argument for why they believe their plan for custody should be adopted. An unbiased third party mediator hears each side separately and works as a “go-between” facilitator to help the parents come to a mutual agreement.
If mediation is unsuccessful, or if parents are adamant about getting their way, custody will be decided in court. Parents who opt to take the issue of custody to court put their futures in the lives of the judge deciding the issue.
In California, both parents have equal rights to custody of their children. California does not – and may not – show a preference for one parent over the other solely on the basis of the parent’s sex. Rather, California courts determine custody based on what it believes to be in the best interests of the child.
A judge presiding over a child custody matter will hear testimony from parents, character witnesses, and children; review patterns of parental interaction with children; and review evidence to determine what the best interests of a child are. A judge may consider any factor that may be relevant to determining the custody arrangement that would be most beneficial to a child. The health, welfare, and safety of a child are of the utmost importance in these proceedings.
California emphasizes the importance of the health, welfare, and safety of children. While it is believed that children generally benefit from “frequent and continuing contact” with both of the parents after a divorce, a court will not hesitate to strip a parent’s right to custody or visitation if the child’s safety or well-being were threatened. In some cases, a California parent may not be awarded custody if they killed the child’s other parent, are convicted of physical or sexual child abuse, engage in habitual illicit drug use, or show a pattern of abusive or dangerous behavior.
California courts will strive to design a custody arrangement that mimics a child’s current lifestyle as closely as possible. In these proceedings, stability is perhaps the second most important factor a judge will consider after the child’s safety.
Children generally become accustomed to certain patterns of behavior, schedules, and engaging in certain activities with specific individuals. Courts will weigh these patterns when deciding how custody should be awarded. Courts will also work to create terms of custody that keep siblings together. In California, maintaining stability in a child’s life is considered to be in the child’s best interests.
California courts may not show a preference for one parent over the other solely on the basis of the parent’s sex. They may, however, show a preference based on the parent’s commitment to being an involved and engaged parent. Courts can hear testimony and review evidence to determine how involved a parent is in their child’s life and how strong a bond between a child and parent may be. The more involved a parent is a child’s life before a divorce, the greater that parent’s chances of securing custody.
However, courts will also consider the potential for abusing an award of custody. If a court believes that a parent may not foster a positive and continuing relationship between a child and noncustodial parent, the court may be hesitant to award custody to that parent. It is important for parents to show that they can put their differences aside and make parenting decisions based solely on the best interests of a child.
Children of divorce are not without a voice. California courts want to hear what kids have to say about future custody arrangements. If a child wants to speak about his or her future the court must generally listen. California does not impose an arbitrary age restriction when hearing a child’s side of the story. A child of any age can offer testimony. A judge will use his or her discretion when weighing the value of the child’s wishes. The older a child is, the more weight his or her input will have.
When it comes to child custody, California advocates for maintaining stability and promoting the best interests of a child. If you and your spouse are considering a divorce or separation you should find an experienced California divorce attorney. An attorney can help you design a child custody agreement that protects your interests as a parent and your child’s future.
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If you are going through a divorce in California, you’re probably wondering how to find a good divorce lawyer. We put together this comprehensive list to help you from the moment you begin your search through the time you actually retain an attorney.
Before even meeting with an attorney, you should take the time to educate yourself on the divorce process. Fortunately, there are great online resources to help you. We asked Los Angeles divorce lawyer Hossein Berenji for the top three sites he recommends. He suggested:
A. California Courts – Divorce and Separation Self-Help
This website, provided by the State of California, provides an excellent overview and resources for those seeking a divorce.
B. California Courts – Filing for Divorce
This website, also provided by the State of California, gives you step-by-step info regarding the divorce process. Even though you may be hiring a family law attorney, it helps to know the process.
C. State Bar of California – What Should I Know About Divorce and Custody
This information is provided by the State Bar of California, the administrative arm of the California Supreme Court overseeing attorney conduct. This FAQ covers important information that will help you get started on your divorce.
If you suspect that your spouse is seeking a divorce, meet with an attorney immediately. Don’t wait until you’re served with divorce papers to start the process. After your spouse serves you with divorce papers, you will only have a small window of time in which to reply. You don’t want to have to hire an attorney under a tight deadline.
If you’re searching for an attorney online, start by searching using the name of your city plus “divorce lawyer.” For example, if you live in Burbank, CA, you would type “Burbank divorce lawyer.”
Beyond the organic results you see, you may want to check out these additional sites:
YELP: Yelp is a great place to read about attorneys. While you should always take online reviews with a grain of salt, it’s a starting point when researching attorneys. Make sure you don’t simply look at how many stars they have, but take the time to read the actual reviews – both good and bad. See more: https://www.yelp.com
AVVO: Avvo is another great place to research attorneys. Beyond the reviews and peer endorsements, Avvo tells you if the attorney has ever been disciplined by the State Bar for violating the California State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct. See more here: https://www.avvo.com
FINDLAW: FindLaw is another legal directory that you’ll usually see high in the search results. Beyond attorneys, you’ll also find informative articles related to divorce and family law. See more here: https://www.findlaw.com
CALIFORNIA STATE BAR: The State Bar website provides information on attorneys and also offers a referral service. If the attorney has been disciplined, you can find out more by visiting their profile. You can also search for an attorney by visiting here. See more: http://www.calbar.ca.gov
Word of mouth can actually point you to the right family law lawyer. Ask friends and family to recommend a good lawyer that handles divorce cases. You can try asking someone you know that has gone through a divorce. They may be able to suggest someone that you can hire to handle your own divorce case. You can increase your chances of finding the attorney by simply searching for one based on word of mouth.
Some of the factors you’ll want to consider are:
A lawyer that is experienced in family law should be your first choice. You should not look into a lawyer that handles real estate, or even a criminal defense attorney. Always go for a family law lawyer. By doing so, you will get their knowledge and expertise when it comes to divorce law.
Depending on the complexity of your case, you may want to hire a Certified Family Law Specialist. A CFLS is certified by the California State Bar as a specialist in that particular area of law. Typically, you can expect a CFLS to charge a higher hourly rate than a non-CFLS.
Again, it may not be necessary unless your divorce involves more complex property division or custody matters.
Shop around for a competent divorce lawyer. You should not settle on the first one that you find. It can be a good idea to set up meetings with at least two or three other lawyers, especially if you want to find a competent one. You can canvas different kinds of lawyers, to get a sense of their different skill sets. By interviewing many divorce lawyers, you may be able to select the best one out of the bunch.
Many family attorneys now offer a free consultation. Use this time to essentially interview different attorneys. Discuss your case and get feedback. You shouldn’t always go with the attorney that tells you what you want to hear, but rather what you need to hear.
Here are a few questions you should consider asking during the initial consultation.
A. How much do you charge per hour?
B. Do you have a “blended” rate (If yes, what is it?).
C. How much do you estimate my case will cost?
D. Are you familiar with opposing counsel?
E. Have they handled cases in front of the judge assigned to me? (If a judge has been assigned).
F. Will you be the only person working on my case? (If not, see below).
G. Who will be working on my case? (Get their experience)
H. Can I meet any associates that will be working on my case besides you?
I. During what hours can I call you?
J. What if I need to contact you in the event of an emergency?
K. Will I receive monthly bills?
L. How much is your initial retainer?
M. How do you bill per hour? In 6 minute increments?
Attorneys throughout the United States are bound by what is known as attorney-client privilege. Even if you don’t retain them, they are bound by attorney-client privilege regarding whatever was said during the meeting. In California, attorney-client privilege provides almost absolute protection against an attorney disclosing what was said during the consultation.
People have a tendency to paint a one-sided picture during the initial consultation. While attorneys know this, it’s best to be 100% honest from the start. Remember, attorney-client privilege protects you regardless if you retain the attorney.
A. Do you get along?
This is a simple one. Did you enjoy your meeting with them? Did you feel comfortable telling them about your situation. You don’t have to be best friends with your attorney, but it’s preferable to hire an attorney that you get along well with.
B. Did they pressure you to retain them?
If yes, you may want to hire someone else. While an attorney has to make a living, they are in a position of authority and shouldn’t be pressuring you to retain them.
As they say, law is local. You therefore want an attorney who is local to court where your case is being heard. A local attorney will know the judges, attorneys, and experts.
Don’t hire an attorney because their office is conveniently located by where you live and/or work. Hire an attorney that is local to the court where you case is being heard.
This one is simple. If their office is dirty and their staff unfriendly, don’t expect that to change after you hire them. If they can’t be professional before you give them your money, they are unlikely to be professional after taking your money.
Before going down the path of divorce, you should try to understand the scope of your divorce. What are the issues at stake?
Knowing the contested issues will give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of time, money, and stress.
By following these guidelines, you should be able to hire a very reliable and competent divorce lawyer. If you want to go through the least amount of trouble when you are undergoing a divorce, you should look into hiring one. A divorce lawyer’s services could be invaluable whenever you are going through a divorce. And you may be able actually to go through a pain-free divorce if you hire the right kind of lawyer to handle your case.
Do not hesitate to contact the services of a divorce lawyer if you find one that you can trust, you will be making a very good decision if you hire them.
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