Child Custody Attorney in Anaheim, CA

If you are a parent facing a breakup, keeping things as consistent for your kids as possible is your top priority. When divorcing in California, specifically, you can choose a skilled Anaheim child custody lawyer to help you protect your relationship with your kids.

The legal system is complex, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Whether you agree with your child’s other parent or are in a tough fight with them, a lawyer can help keep things stable.

The Goldberg Legal Group Is Here for California Families

For more than 18 years, The Goldberg Legal Group has helped residents in California’s communities legally handle changes to their families and households. We are dedicated to protecting parents’ and children’s rights and guiding them through what can be an emotionally challenging time.

Child Custody Trends

While many parents worry about how courts decide where a child will live, the United States has shifted toward shared parenting throughout the decades. Several observations reflect this change:

• More divorce cases now result in arrangements where both parents share equal custody.
• More noncustodial parents have a legal and/or physical joint custody arrangement with their child’s other parent.
• The percentage of fathers who are custodial parents has been steadily increasing.

A Guide to California Child Custody Laws

California law focuses on what is in the best interests of the child, so the court looks at health, safety, and school ties. Under California child custody laws, there are two types of custody:

• Legal Custody: Legal custody refers to the ability to make significant choices regarding where your kids go to school or about their medical care. For example, parents with legal custody can decide if they want their children to visit South Coast Pediatrics on West Ball Road in Anaheim when they need medical attention.
• Physical Custody: Physical custody is about where your children will live and sleep primarily, and where they will have visitation with their noncustodial parent. The parents can work together to set the schedule for visits.

Both physical and legal custody can be joint or sole. Judges typically make decisions that encourage both parents to stay involved in their child’s life, since high-quality co-parenting has been found to have a positive impact on a child’s mental health and social adjustment. The court only limits visits if there’s a major safety risk.

How the Court Prioritizes Protection and Safety for the Child

The court will step in if there’s proof that the child isn’t receiving the proper care, supervision, or emotional support. In the most serious situations, the child may be removed from both parents’ custody and placed into temporary protective living arrangements.

Children in foster care are more likely to be placed in the custody of non-related foster families once in the system. Still, almost half get reunited with their parent or primary caretaker when they leave foster care.

A child custody lawyer can help parents meet safety requirements by facilitating necessary cooperation with caseworkers and other mandated service providers. With their guidance, you can focus on improved parental supervision, safe housing, substance abuse treatment, and addressing any other issues to reduce the likelihood of the child needing further temporary or permanent out-of-home protective placement.

How Parenting Plans Help Your Peace of Mind

An attorney who practices family law knows the national and local rules concerning child custody, support, and visitation arrangements, and can help you during mediation with your child’s other parent.

They can work with both parties to create a legally sound parenting plan that will serve as a written map of your child’s life. Without a clear plan, simple tasks like picking up a child from school can turn into a fight, so parenting plans typically cover:

• Daily and weekly schedules
• Holidays
• Summer breaks

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Anaheim

Many people may try to handle a child custody case on their own, but small mistakes can lead to big problems later. It’s wise to hire a child custody lawyer early on.

An effective lawyer, well-versed in matters of family law, can handle the heavy paperwork for the courts and help you formulate a clear, fair parenting plan with your co-parent that prevents arguments later on.

When you work with an Anaheim child custody attorney, they can help you think of things you might miss. This includes travel rules and who pays for extracurricular activities, like sports.

FAQs About Child Custody in Anaheim, CA

What Is the Biggest Mistake a Parent Can Make in a Custody Battle in Anaheim?

The biggest mistake a parent can make in a custody battle in Anaheim is losing their temper. Judges watch how parents act and speak to determine if both are putting their child’s needs ahead of their own, so badmouthing a child’s other parent can hurt your case.

To protect your interests and show that you respect your child’s relationship with their other parent, remain calm and avoid discussing any aspect of the case or the other parent on social media.

Who Gets Custody of the Child in Most Cases?

Mothers have been known to receive custody of children in most cases, with 80% of one-parent households being maintained by mothers in 2022. Still, it’s important to note that modern family law has shifted to be more gender-neutral. In general, mothers and fathers are now treated more equally compared to in the past.

Who Pays for Child Custody Court Cases in Anaheim?

In child custody court cases in Anaheim, each parent usually pays for their own legal expenses and associated costs. However, in a situation where one parent earns significantly more money than the other in a divorce, a judge may ask the higher-earning parent to help pay toward the other parent’s expenses. This is to keep things equitable and accessible for both parties.

How Much Does a Custody Lawyer Cost in Anaheim, California?

How much a custody lawyer costs in Anaheim, California, can vary significantly since prices depend on the attorney’s experience and their fee structure, and on how complex your case is. There is no standard figure, but many lawyers charge an hourly rate, so discuss fees or required retainers with your lawyer during your consultation.

Take the Next Step With The Goldberg Legal Group

Your child’s future depends on the choices you make today. Our local child custody attorney can guide you through California’s child custody laws and make sure the court fairly hears your side and respects your relationship with your child. Reach out to The Goldberg Legal Group for help securing your bond with your children.