Southern California Child Custody Attorneys

Child Custody Matters

Unfortunately it is too often the case that the parents of children cannot agree on how the time spent with each parent should be divided. When parents cannot agree on the child custody arrangements for their children then that leaves the courts to decide the issue.

If you find yourself facing a situation where you cannot agree with the other parent of your child or children as to how child custody should be divided you will need an experienced child custody law firm on your side. At Wallin and Klarich, our experienced Southern California family law attorneys can help you understand how judges make custody decisions and advise you as to how to present yourself as the best possible custodian for your children.

California courts are legally required to make custody decisions based on the best interests of the children. Courts can consider any relevant factors, but will certainly consider which parent can best guarantee the child's safety; how stable an environment each parent can offer and which parent is most likely to allow continuing relationships with close relatives, including the other parent.

In most child custody matters the court will take into consideration of the children themselves when they reach their teenage years. During a child custody dispute all aspects of both parents lives may be explored in detail. This is an extremely emotional time for both parties as well as the children, if they are made aware of the ongoing dispute.

WINNING A CUSTODY BATTLE

In order to win primary physical custody of your children, you and your California child custody lawyer must show that it is in your childrens best interest that they live with you more than with the other parent.

The evidence you will provide at a child custody hearing will have to do with how you will "parent" your child if you are awarded primary physical custody. This evidence can be from both testimony as well as documentary evidence. The court will want to know what school your children will attend, who will be caring for the children when you are at work, how you will monitor their school work, what type of environment they will be living in, and many other factors.

In addition you may want to bring to the courts attention what you believe are "parenting flaws" in the parenting skills of the other parent. These don't have to be obvious problems like a domestic violence conviction or alcoholism -- although these would certainly be evidence of bad parenting. They can also be things like a very busy work schedule that takes time away from the children, or past interference with your visitation rights. Your custody lawyer can help you identify ways to prove that you are the parent who should have primary physical custody of your children.

If the judge in your case believes you and the other parent can still reach an agreement, he or she has the right to send you to mediation. Mediation is an out-of-court process for resolving disputes, in which a judge-like expert in custody law helps you discuss your differences. If you come to an agreement in mediation, you can go back to court with a parenting plan ready for the judge's approval.

If you're ready to go to court for custody of your children, the chances are good that you have important reasons to fight. With so much at stake, it makes sense to hire an experienced, the passionate child custody lawyers at Wallin and Klarich Our law firm has practiced family law in Southern California for almost30 years. We understand California child custody law, and we understand the judges that handle these cases, because we appear before them regularly. Just as important, at Wallin & Klarich, we understand that child custody and divorce can be hard on parents and their children. We believe all of our clients are entitled to prompt, thorough and respectful answers to their questions. That's why we maintain constant availability to our clients -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week, each day of the year. We also offer free phone consultations to potential clients.

Call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case with an experienced family law attorney. You can reach us at 1-888-290-5379, or by filling out our confidential online consultation form.

If you're facing a child custody matter, you need an experienced, effective family lawyer on your side -- like the expert Southern California family law attorneys at Wallin & Klarich. Whether you need an hour in our offices or full representation in court, we're committed to helping your family get the best possible outcome to custody disputes. For a free consultation with Wallin & Klarich family law attorneys, call us today at 1-888-290-5379 or fill out our confidential case evaluation form online. We'll be here for you, whenever you call.