Child Custody

Were you denied child custody or visitation rights?

Child Custody in California

Newport Beach Family Attorneys

Child custody disputes are often among the most emotionally charged of legal issues. When a child’s best interest is on the line, parents may quickly find themselves overwhelmed by feelings of anger and frustration. Understandably, this can make cooperation and dispute resolution difficult. At Holstrom, Block & Parke, a Professional Law Corporation, we know what you are going through and can provide the compassionate support you need to work through this process. Our Newport Beach family law attorneys can utilize more than 300 years of collective experience to help you overcome the difficulties which lie ahead.

Our legal team includes 5 certified family law specialists. Request a FREE PHONE consultation today and discover how we can help your family.

How Is Child Custody Determined?

Spouses are typically given the opportunity to resolve custody issues outside of the courtroom and through processes such as mediation. However, all marital issues must be resolved before a divorce can be finalized and if an agreement cannot be reached, the dispute will be brought before a judge.

Throughout California, custody is determined based on what is in the best interest of the child. While a parent’s preference can be taken into consideration, the circumstances which see that a child is best cared for will be the deciding factors. Additionally, there is a strong preference toward awarding joint custody so that both parents are kept in a child’s life. Typically, sole custody is considered when one parent is demonstrably unfit to care for a child or their presence directly hinders a child’s well-being.

When determining child custody, a judge may consider factors including:

  • Each parent’s ability to provide care and support for a child
  • The emotional connection and attachment felt by a child toward each parent
  • The physical location of each parent in relation to each other
  • Evidence of domestic violence or child abuse
  • If any party has special needs or health concerns

Once a judge officially sets an agreement in place, modifications can be difficult. It must be shown that a change in circumstances had occurred and that a change would be in the best interest of the child. Typically, it is viewed that the best interest of the child is to maintain a stable arrangement with parents. For example, if the custodial parent is laid-off, affecting their ability to properly provide for their child, a judge may grant a modification.

Compassionate Child Custody Attorneys

If you are currently involved in a child custody dispute or you are seeking to modify a previous agreement, Holstrom, Block & Parke, a Professional Law Corporation can help you to navigate the legal process. We believe that effective representation comes from always putting clients first. Our Newport Beach family attorneys can work with you one-on-one to develop a legal strategy tailored to your situation. Whether you are pursuing joint, sole, physical, or legal custody, we can work tirelessly to see that the best interests of your family remain protected.