Child Custody Lawyers in Riverside: (951) 400-5273
Handling Custody Matters in Riverside, Corona, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Hemet, Murrieta, & Surrounding Cities
In California, the court's main priority is to promote the relationship between each parent and their children. It is typically in the best interests of the children to have some form of visitation and custodial time with each parent, even if the visitation must be supervised.
There are two types of custody - legal and physical:
- Legal custody refers to the decision-making aspects of parenting
- Physical custody refers to living arrangements
Most parents are able to share legal custody, usually with one parent having primary physical custody. While this may seem simple, there are a lot of different factors that could determine the outcome of your case, which is why it is important that you contact a child custody attorney in Riverside from our family law firm right away. We also proudly serve Riverside, Corona, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Hemet, Murrieta, and the surrounding cities.
Visitation is usually granted to the parent who is not granted primary physical custody; however, this is not always the case. In most cases, the court will schedule a mediation or Child Custody Recommending Counseling appointment for parents to work out a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the children and that promotes a healthy relationship with each parent.
When you work with the Law Offices of Shauna M. Albright, we will help you understand the options available to you in your family law matters. We promote mediation conferences out of court because it is often beneficial to come to an amicable agreement that is in the best interest of your children.
Common Questions and Answers Regarding Child Custody and Visitation
Do we have to go to court to make custody orders?
No. You can come to your own agreement in writing and submit it to the
court for review and signing. Once the judge signs it, it becomes an order
of the court.
My ex has been absent and does not have contact with me or our child. Do
we still have to share legal custody?
You can request that the court award you sole legal custody. At your hearing,
you will be required to provide evidence as to why you should have sole
legal custody. Based on your evidence and arguments, the court will determine
if you will be awarded sole legal custody.
Can child custody and visitation orders be changed once approved by the judge?
Yes. Custody and visitation orders are always modifiable. You can file
a motion with the court requesting a
modification of orders. Also, parents can prepare an agreement to modify the orders. In most
cases, the court will adopt your agreement. You most likely will not have
to go to court if you come to an agreement.
My husband and I are separated. We do not have court orders for custody
and visitation. He was recently involved in a DUI. He has threatened to
take the children from my home. What can I do to assure that this does
not happen?
There are a few options available for you: you can request an emergency
hearing, sole legal and physical custody of your children and request
supervised visitations if you feel that your children are in danger. You
will typically get a hearing the same day as filing (Orange and Los Angeles
counties) or within 24 hours of filing (Riverside and San Bernardino counties.