When parents divorce or separate, the most important legal matters they face involve the children. If you are facing a child custody dispute, it is important to have the counsel of an experienced family law attorney. With more than 19 years of experience handling child custody cases for clients throughout Santa Barbara and surrounding communities, I am prepared to protect your rights and the best interests of your child/children.
Contact my law office today online or by telephone at 888-854-1992 to speak with an experienced Santa Barbara child custody lawyer.
Protecting the Best Interests of the Child
In a child custody matter, the law places the best interests of the child above all other considerations. However, there are often differing opinions as to what, exactly, is in the child's best interests. In handling a child custody dispute, I always strive to help my clients reach favorable solutions in a time-efficient manner, sparing everyone involved from unnecessary stress and acrimony.
Some child custody cases are simple and straightforward, with all parties generally in agreement. Some, however, can be complex and contentious. In all child custody disputes, the court requires the parents to try to resolve their disputes through mediation.
Types of Child Custody
Every child custody case is unique. It is important to work with an experienced child custody lawyer to protect your rights and the best interests of the child. It is favorable in most cases to reach agreement between parents out of court. Most parents prefer to maintain control of the situation by coming to agreement, rather than letting a judge decide.
The types of child custody are:
- Sole physical custody: The child lives with one parent full-time (the custodial parent). The other parent (noncustodial) has visitation privileges, and spends a reasonable amount of time with the child.
- Joint physical custody: Both parents spend substantial time with the child. In some cases, this amounts to a 50/50 split, but every case is unique.
- Joint legal custody: Both parents have the right to be consulted in making major decisions over the health, education and welfare of the child.
- Sole legal custody: Only one parent has the right to make these decisions. Sole legal custody is rare, and typically only exists in cases in which there is alcohol abuse, drug abuse or other circumstances which may prove detrimental to the child.
In the past, sole physical custody was the most common option. Today, more and more parents are choosing a joint physical custody arrangement. I will work with you personally to understand your child custody goals, so together we can work toward them, and protect the best interests of your child.
Contact a Santa Barbara County Visitation Lawyer
If you are facing a child custody dispute or other family law matter, I am here to help. Contact my law office today online or by telephone at 888-854-1992 to speak with a knowledgeable Santa Barbara child custody lawyer.
