Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful situations that a person encounters. When children and child custody issues are in the mix, things get even more emotional. We know that your top priority is to protect your child, and the team of Van Nuys family lawyers at Diarian & Bociaga can help you put a child custody plan in place that does just that. Let our team help you create an agreement that works for everyone involved – especially the children. Call (818) 205-9090 to speak with a Van Nuys child custody lawyer today.
Legal Custody vs Physical Custody
Child custody encompasses two distinct areas – legal custody and physical custody. Physical custody is somewhat self-explanatory. Physical custody governs how the parents will physically share time with the child. In some cases, the child may split time with each parent. In other situations, the child may spend most of the time with one parent and have visitation time with the other parent.
Legal custody can be a little more complex because this concept is not as obvious as physical custody. Legal custody governs how major decisions will be made for the child. These decisions may include things like healthcare decisions, education decisions, and even smaller decisions, like whether to play a sport. In most cases, parents are awarded joint legal custody of children. In fact, California law presumes joint custody is in the best interest of the child (California Code, Family Code – FAM § 3080). This means that both parents have the authority to make decisions for the child, and they should work together and come to an agreement on all major decisions.
Child Custody Considerations
When determining custody arrangements, there are several factors that must be considered. First and foremost, the child’s best interest should be considered the top priority. If the parents reach a custody agreement on their own, but the agreement does not support the best interest of the child, the court will reject the agreement. Next, custody agreements must consider the child’s age, health, emotional state, school situation, and any history of abuse.
It is best if the parents can develop a parenting plan on their own that specifies all aspects of the custody arrangement. Reaching an agreement on your own can save you time, money, and unexpected or surprising outcomes. The Van Nuys divorce attorneys at Diarian & Bociaga have extensive experience developing parenting agreements, and we can help you work with your ex-spouse to put a comprehensive plan in place. Similarly, we can help you modify a child custody agreement if your situation has changed.
Contact A Child Custody Lawyer In Van Nuys Today
We know that you want to do everything possible to protect the best interest of your child, and so do we. Our experienced legal team of Van Nuys child custody lawyers will work diligently to create a parenting plan that works for everyone involved and to do so quickly and efficiently. In rare situations when an agreement cannot be reached, we are not afraid to go to trial and fight for you and your child. Contact the office of Diarian & Bociaga today and let us help you with your child custody case.