Determining the visitation of children is one of the most heart-wrenching events many parents go through in their lives. Parents are always concerned they won’t be able to maintain a close and loving relationship with their child if they don’t see them every day. With the help of child custody lawyers in Murrieta, CA, the process will go much smoother, and they will help a parent obtain a custody order that will benefit the children. Child custody lawyers generally offer a free consultation so a parent can discuss their custody and determine the best way to proceed.
Mediation can give parents a chance to resolve any disagreements they have about a parenting plan. A mediator doesn’t work for either parent and will help them to talk openly about their concerns. A parenting plan should always be crafted in the best interests of the child. Children of different ages have different needs, and they should be addressed. If a parent has been abusive, the order should be crafted to keep everyone safe. The court is only concerned about the well-being of the child. Both parents begin with equal rights to custody and will be determined by the health, safety, and welfare of the children and the fact that children benefit from frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
A judge cannot agree to custody to a parent who has committed first-degree murder and other crimes. If a child was conceived by rape, custody or visitation may not be granted to the perpetrator. Illegal drug use and alcohol abuse are other factors a court will take into consideration for approving a custody order. A child’s age isn’t taken into consideration when they express the desire to live with one particular parent. The judge will give consideration to an older child’s wishes and give it substantial weight in their custodial decision. With the various laws and guidelines, child custody lawyers in Murrieta, CA should be contacted for assistance.
The law office of Michelle Penna has years of experience representing clients that are involved in family law cases. They understand how difficult these types of cases can be. For more information, please click here.