San Fernando Valley Child Custody and Family Law Attorneys
Child Custody Orders are essential when parents are going through a divorce. If parents do not have custody orders, then it inevitably lead to conflict about who takes the children to and from school, who can take them to the doctor’s office, who makes decisions about their education, and so forth.
Legal custody refers to the rights parents have to make decisions about health, education, and welfare issues. Legal custody can be sole or joint–and depending on the circumstances, one parent may have the right to make certain decisions pertaining to the children.
Physical custody, on the other hand, is usually what parents fight about. As it is commonly understood, physical custody refers to the amount of time parents spend with their children.
Like legal custody, physical custody can be sole or joint. The legal definition of joint physical custody is: each of the parents shall have significant periods of physical custody such that the children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
Sole physical custody is where the children reside with one parent, subject to the visitation rights of the other parent.
These legal definitions are significant and you should consult with an experienced family law attorney so you understand what your custodial rights are before entering into any agreement, as well as before any court hearing on custody and visitation issues.
Hiring an experienced divorce lawyer from the beginning of your case is the best way to avoid costly mistakes that you may unknowingly make on your own. A smart divorce attorney will save you money in the long run, especially where custody and child support issues intersect.
The Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton understands that nothing is more important than the well-being of your children.
Click on the link below to Learn How to Create A Parenting Plan:
Click on the links below to view Model Parenting Plans:
- Parenting Plan For Children Under Age 3
- Parenting Plan For Children 3-5 years old
- Parenting Plan For Children 6-9 years old
- Parenting Plan For Children 10-13 years old
- Parenting Plan For Children 14-18 years old
Click on the link below to Learn How To Create a Holiday and Vacation Parenting Plan:
If you have questions about custody and visitation, please contact the Law Offices of Cathleen E. Norton at (310) 300-4021 for a free consultation, or complete the free case evaluation form and we will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.
