Rancho Cucamonga Child Custody Attorney

Protect Your Parental Rights & Secure Fair Custody in San Bernardino County, CA

When parents decide to divorce or legally separate, one of the major issues that will have to be sorted out is child custody.

The best way to protect your rights during this process is to hire a compassionate child custody lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga.

At Family Law Advocacy Group, we are intimately familiar with all aspects of California family law and can aggressively work to see that we secure the best possible child custody agreement on your behalf. Custody agreements can affect child support proceedings, as well, so it is very important to look at the big picture and consider everything that needs to be worked out during this process.

Here's why you should hire our firm:

• Successfully handled hundreds of cases
• Our team is led by a Board Certified Family Law Specialist
• We provide personalized and compassionate legal services to our clients

Whether you are going through a divorce and need to establish a custody agreement or you are looking to modify a current child custody arrangement, we invite you to contact our team.

Understanding Your Custody Options in California

Child custody refers to the legal and practical relationship between a parent (or guardian) and a child, particularly in terms of who makes decisions for the child and where the child lives. It often comes into play during divorces, legal separations, or when unmarried parents are resolving parental responsibilities.

The parent-child relationship is important, but complicated, so the State of California has different types of child custody options to best fit each unique situation. Three types of custody arrangements in California:

Creating a Parenting Plan for Child Custody

In California, a parenting plan (also known as a custody and visitation agreement) is a written agreement between parents that outlines how they will share responsibilities and time with their child after separation or divorce.

Key elements of a parenting plan may include:

• Physical custody arrangements
• Legal custody agreements
• Visitation schedules
• Holiday and vacation schedules
• Communication methods between parents

When dealing with child custody issues, it's important to have a detailed parenting plan in place to ensure the well-being of your child and to avoid conflicts in the future. Our experienced child custody attorneys at Family Law Advocacy Group can help you create a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the responsibilities and schedules for each parent.

Having a clear and well-thought-out parenting plan can help reduce stress and uncertainty for both parents and children during the custody process. Reach out to Family Law Advocacy Group to learn more about creating a personalized parenting plan for your child custody case in Rancho Cucamonga or San Bernardino County.

How Do California Courts Decide Who Gets Custody?

State courts make custody decisions based on what is in the best interest of the child. The law doesn't favor one parent over the other based on gender. Instead, the court looks at several factors to determine which custody arrangement will best support the child’s well-being. These factors include:

• The health, safety, and welfare of the child – This is the court’s top priority.
• Any history of abuse – If there’s a history of domestic violence or child abuse by either parent, that will heavily impact the decision.
• The nature of the child’s relationship with both parents – The court wants to see that each parent has a meaningful and consistent relationship with the child.
• Parental ability to co-parent – Courts prefer parents who can cooperate and make joint decisions in the child’s best interest.
• The child’s preference – If the child is mature enough (usually around 14 or older), the court may consider their wishes.
• Stability and continuity – The court may favor keeping the child in a consistent routine, including school, home life, and community ties.
• Any substance abuse issues – If a parent has problems with drugs or alcohol, that can affect custody decisions.

The goal is to ensure the child has a safe, loving, and stable environment. Courts generally try to give both parents frequent and continuing contact with the child, unless that would be harmful.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

When it comes to child custody disputes, mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods can be effective ways to reach a mutually agreeable solution without the need for a lengthy and costly court battle. Our experienced Rancho Cucamonga child custody lawyers are skilled in facilitating productive discussions between parents to find common ground and create a parenting plan that prioritizes the best interests of the child.

Benefits of mediation and alternative dispute resolution include:

• Reduced conflict and animosity
• Quicker resolution compared to traditional litigation
• Empowerment for parents to make decisions about their child's future
• Less stress and emotional strain on children
• Cost-effective compared to court proceedings

Child Custody FAQs

Can custody orders be modified later?

Yes. Custody orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as relocation, changes in a child’s needs, or concerns about safety.

Do grandparents have custody or visitation rights in California?

In limited situations, grandparents may request visitation or custody if it is in the child’s best interests and certain legal requirements are met.

What happens if the other parent violates a custody order?

Custody order violations can result in enforcement actions, contempt proceedings, or modifications. An attorney can help protect your rights.

Is joint custody always preferred?

Joint custody is common, but it is not automatic. Courts focus on what arrangement best serves the child’s needs.

How long does a child custody case take?

Child custody cases can take up to 18 months or more to resolve. Courts have a strict schedule, and hearings are often rescheduled. The time it takes to settle a custody dispute can range from several years, depending on the case's specifics.

Do I need a lawyer for a custody case?

While not required, working with an experienced Rancho Cucamonga child custody lawyer greatly improves your ability to protect your parental rights and present a strong case.

Speak With a Rancho Cucamonga Child Custody Lawyer Today

Child custody matters can shape your child’s future and your role in their life. At Family Law Advocacy Group, we are committed to guiding parents through these challenges with skilled legal representation and compassionate support. If you are facing a custody dispute or need help modifying an existing order, contact our office today to speak with a trusted Rancho Cucamonga child custody lawyer.

Facing a child custody dispute? Contact Family Law Advocacy Group today at (909) 992-0188 for a free consultation!