Manhattan Beach Child Custody Attorney

Child custody is a legal concept that determines who has the authority and responsibility to care for a child after parents separate or divorce. It encompasses legal custody, which involves making significant decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education and healthcare, and physical custody, which pertains to where the child will live and who will handle day-to-day care. Legal custody can be sole, where one parent makes all the decisions, or joint, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities. Physical custody can also be sole, where the child lives primarily with one parent, or joint, where the child spends substantial time with both parents. At Baghdaserians Law Group, our dedicated child custody attorneys in Manhattan Beach assist you with custody matters. We are committed to safeguarding parental rights and prioritizing your child’s best interests inside and outside the courtroom.

Getting Child Custody in California

In California, obtaining child custody involves several key steps and considerations:

1. Filing for Custody: The process begins by filing a petition for custody with the family court. This can be done as part of a divorce proceeding or as a separate action if the parents are not married.
2. Custody Evaluation: If parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court may order a custody evaluation. A professional evaluator will assess the family situation, including the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to meet those needs, and provide recommendations to the court.
3. Parenting Plan: Parents are encouraged to develop a parenting plan outlining custody arrangements and visitation schedules. If parents can agree on a plan, it may be submitted to the court for approval.
4. Court Hearing: If parents cannot agree, a court hearing will be held. Each parent will present their case, and the judge will decide based on the child’s best interests, considering factors such as the child’s health, safety, and emotional well-being.
5. Final Custody Order: After reviewing all evidence and recommendations, the court will issue a custody order specifying legal and physical custody arrangements. This order will be legally binding and enforceable.
6. Modifications: Custody arrangements can be modified if circumstances significantly change. Parents can request modifications through the court to address changes in the child’s needs or parental circumstances.

Throughout the process, it is essential to focus on the child’s best interests and work towards a fair and stable arrangement.

Types of Child Custody

In California, child custody is categorized into several types to address both the decision-making and living arrangements for a child:

1. Legal Custody: This pertains to the authority to make significant decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious training.
   • Sole Legal Custody: One parent has the exclusive right to make all major decisions regarding the child.
   • Joint Legal Custody: Both parents are responsible for making important decisions about the child’s life and must work together.
2. Physical Custody: This refers to where the child will live and who will be responsible for the child’s day-to-day care.
   • Sole Physical Custody: The child lives primarily with one parent, while the other may have visitation rights.
   • Joint Physical Custody: The child spends significant time living with both parents, who share day-to-day care responsibilities.
3. Visitation: If one parent has sole physical custody, the non-custodial parent usually has the right to visit the child according to a scheduled arrangement. This is often called a visitation schedule and can vary in frequency and duration.
4. Split Custody: In cases with multiple children, split custody might be arranged where siblings are divided between parents, with each parent having custody of different children.
5. Bird’s Nest Custody: Although less common, this arrangement involves the children staying in the family home while the parents alternate living in the home or staying elsewhere to provide stability for the children.

Each custody arrangement aims to serve the child’s best interests, considering their emotional, physical, and developmental needs.

How to Determine Child Custody in California

Determining child custody in California involves filing a petition with the family court, followed by mediation to negotiate custody arrangements. If mediation fails, a custody evaluation may be ordered, where a professional assesses the family dynamics and makes recommendations. A court hearing follows if an agreement is not reached, where both parents present their cases. The court then decides based on the child’s best interests, considering health, safety, and emotional well-being. The resulting custody order specifies legal and physical custody arrangements, and modifications can be requested if significant circumstances change.

Why Hire Baghdaserians Law Group

Hiring Baghdaserians Law Group as your Manhattan Beach child custody lawyer provides you with a highly experienced team that offers expert legal guidance tailored to your unique situation. Our compassionate approach ensures you receive the emotional support needed during this challenging time, while our strong advocacy and proven track record help achieve favorable outcomes in custody disputes. With a focus on protecting your rights and prioritizing your child’s best interests, Baghdaserians Law Group is committed to navigating the complexities of your case with dedication and skill.