Los Angeles Child Custody Attorney

Assisting Clients With Child Custody Matters in California

When navigating the complex process of determining child custody, having a skilled & compassionate attorney by your side is essential. Gill Law Group, PC, provides comprehensive legal support to parents in Los Angeles, CA, seeking a favorable custody arrangement that prioritizes their children’s best interests. Our experienced child custody attorneys in Los Angeles are here to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, & options under California law.

Contact us today at (949) 681-9952 to learn about your legal options with our child custody attorney in Los Angeles.

What Is Child Custody?

Child custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has concerning the care, upbringing, & welfare of their child. In a child custody case, the court determines the most appropriate arrangement to ensure the child’s safety, happiness, & stability. Custody decisions can impact where the child lives, how they are raised, & who makes important life decisions on their behalf. Since each family’s situation is unique, understanding child custody is critical to ensuring an arrangement that best supports the child’s needs.

California law recognizes two main types of custody: legal custody & physical custody. Each type can be granted as either joint or sole custody, depending on the family’s dynamics & the child’s best interests.

• Legal Custody: Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make significant decisions regarding the child’s welfare, such as education, healthcare, & religious upbringing. In a joint legal custody arrangement, both parents share these responsibilities. However, if one parent is awarded sole legal custody, they have the authority to make these decisions independently.
• Physical Custody: Physical custody dictates where the child resides & how much time they spend with each parent. Joint physical custody means the child spends a significant amount of time with both parents, though it may not be an equal split. Sole physical custody, on the other hand, places the child primarily with one parent, while the other parent may have visitation rights.
• Joint Custody: In joint custody arrangements, both parents share responsibilities, whether for physical, legal, or both types of custody. This arrangement is generally preferred by California courts, as it encourages the involvement of both parents in the child’s life.
• Sole Custody: Sole custody grants one parent exclusive physical or legal custody. Courts may award sole custody if they determine that one parent cannot adequately care for the child or if involvement from both parents would not be in the child’s best interests.

California Child Custody Laws 

California’s child custody laws are centered around the child’s welfare & best interests. Courts favor arrangements that support the child’s physical & emotional needs and maintain strong family bonds. In cases where parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, a judge will determine custody based on several factors to ensure the child’s safety, stability, & happiness.

A key principle in California child custody law is ensuring that children have continuous, meaningful contact with both parents unless one parent poses a risk to the child. California also encourages parents to work together in creating a parenting plan that outlines a custody arrangement & visitation schedule, which can help resolve issues outside of court & reduce conflict.

How the Court Determines Child Custody in California

When determining child custody, California courts follow specific guidelines to assess each family’s unique situation. Key factors considered by the court include:

• The Child’s Best Interests: Above all else, California courts prioritize the child’s best interests when deciding on custody arrangements. This includes the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
• The Child’s Health, Safety, and Welfare: Courts will review any potential risks to the child’s safety, including any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence involving either parent.
• The Child’s Relationship with Each Parent: A strong bond with both parents is generally preferred, and courts aim to preserve these relationships whenever possible. The court may consider which parent is more likely to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
• Parenting Ability and Stability: The court assesses each parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment. Factors such as each parent’s work schedule, living situation, and involvement in the child’s daily life may be taken into account.
• The Child’s Preference: While younger children may not have their preferences considered, older children, particularly teenagers, may be allowed to express their wishes regarding custody, which the court may weigh in its decision.

How Our Los Angeles Child Custody Lawyer Can Help You

Child custody cases can be emotionally challenging & legally complex. An experienced Los Angeles child custody lawyer from Gill Law Group, PC, can guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your options & rights. Our team is equipped to assist you with:

• Negotiation & Mediation: We aim to resolve disputes amicably through negotiation & mediation whenever possible. These approaches can save time, reduce costs, & provide a more collaborative environment to create a parenting plan.
• Litigation: If a custody arrangement cannot be agreed upon outside of court, we will represent you in court to advocate for a fair outcome that prioritizes your child’s well-being.
• Modification of Custody Orders: If circumstances change after a custody order is established, we can help you seek a modification that better fits your child’s current needs.
• Relocation Cases: If you or your co-parent needs to relocate, we can help navigate the legal requirements & advocate for an arrangement that respects both your rights & the child’s best interests.

Understanding Child Custody Proceedings in Los Angeles County

Parents often feel overwhelmed by the steps involved in a custody case, especially when they are unfamiliar with how Los Angeles County processes family law matters. From the initial filing to attending mediation at Family Court Services and appearing in front of a judge at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or another local branch, each stage has its own rules and expectations. Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions, manage your stress, and work more effectively with your child custody attorney.

Most cases begin when a parent files a Request for Order asking the court to make or change custody and visitation orders. The court may then require both parents to attend mandatory mediation through Family Court Services, where a neutral professional helps you try to reach an agreement on parenting time and decision-making. If you cannot reach a full agreement, the mediator may prepare a report or recommendation for the judge, so it is important to arrive prepared and focused on solutions that prioritize your child’s needs.

If your case proceeds to a hearing, the judge will review any agreements you reached, the mediator’s input if applicable, and the evidence each parent presents. This can include testimony, documents, and sometimes input from other professionals such as therapists or custody evaluators. Working closely with a child custody lawyer Los Angeles parents trust allows you to organize your evidence, understand courtroom procedures, and present your position clearly and respectfully, which can make a meaningful difference in how your case moves forward.

Frequently Asked Questions about Child Custody in California

What Is the Difference Between Custody & Visitation?

While custody determines a parent’s rights regarding their child’s upbringing & living arrangements, visitation refers to the scheduled time a non-custodial parent spends with the child. Courts may award supervised or unsupervised visitation depending on each parent’s circumstances.

Can a Child Decide Which Parent to Live With?

In California, older children may have a say in where they want to live, but the court has the final decision. The court considers the child’s preference as part of a broader assessment of what arrangement serves their best interests.

What Can I Do if My Co-Parent Violates a Custody Order?

If your co-parent fails to adhere to the custody order, you may take legal action to enforce the order. This may involve modifying the custody arrangement or seeking other remedies through the court.

How Does Relocation Affect Child Custody in Los Angeles?

Relocation can significantly impact child custody arrangements, as it may alter the logistics of shared custody or visitation schedules. In Los Angeles, a parent wishing to move a considerable distance must often secure approval from either the co-parent or the courts.

The court will evaluate how the move might affect the child, considering factors such as distance and how it might disrupt the child's established routine or schooling. At Gill Law Group, PC, we assist in crafting compelling arguments or counterarguments based on the child's best interest, ensuring that relocation decisions uphold the child's needs and emotional well-being.

Contact Our Child Custody Attorney in Los Angeles Today

Child custody disputes can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Gill Law Group, PC, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the custody process with compassion, clarity, and a focus on protecting your child’s best interests. Whether you’re dealing with a contested custody battle, seeking to modify an existing arrangement, or working toward a fair parenting plan, our devoted legal team is here to support you. We take the time to understand your unique situation and advocate for a solution that prioritizes your family’s well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future for you and your child.

Call (949) 681-9952 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our Los Angeles child custody lawyer.