Southern California Child Custody Lawyer

Child of Age and Reason Custody Rights

Sometimes, courts are also willing to take the wishes and rights of children into account. In custody matters, the court may take the children's wishes into account when the child is "of sufficient age and capacity to reason." The older the child is, the more likely the judge is to listen to him or her. In order to avoid emotional pressure or coaching by parents, the child may be asked to talk to the judge in private. Teenagers under 18 may also be emancipated - granted legal adulthood - by the court. Emancipated teenagers must still go to school, but they can make many of their own legal decisions, like where to work, what medical care to get and how to handle their money. Emancipation is only available to teen who:

• Are age 14 or over
• Can make their own money legally.
• Can handle their own finances.
• Can prove their parents or guardians (including the foster care system) won't stop them from moving out.

The Orange County child custody lawyers Wallin & Klarich, we approach each custody case with the belief that it could easily involve one of our own families. We understand how emotional and stressful a custody case can be. That's why we're committed to always being available for our clients. You can reach us by telephone or online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and every day of the year. We maintain more than 20 offices in six Southern California counties, so we can be where you are. And, because we've practiced law in Southern California for more than 30 years, we have a length and depth of experience that few family-law firms can match. We understand California child custody law, and we know the courts and judges that will hear your case, because we've appeared before them many times. With Wallin & Klarich, you can count on experienced, thorough and passionate legal representation.

For a free phone consultation with an experienced Southern California child custody lawyer, call Wallin & Klarich today at 1-888-290-5379 or fill out our confidential online case evaluation 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.