Lancaster Child Custody Attorney
Family-Focused Legal Representation in the Antelope & Santa Clarita Valleys
Custody describes how parents share the responsibilities for their children following a divorce. This is an important decision to make as it will greatly influence your child’s life moving forward. Whether you and the other parent are on the same page about custody or have some disagreements, our firm can help you navigate this decision.
The Jimenez Law Group, APC, has helped hundreds of families reach solutions to their cases. Our Lancaster child custody lawyer is backed by more than 15 years of experience and is passionate about providing family-oriented legal services that take into consideration the needs of everyone involved, especially the children.
How Is Child Custody Determined in California?
California allows parents to share custody of the children or for one of the parents to have custody. Typically, if both parents are able to come to an agreement about a parenting plan, the judge will approve it. However, if parents are unable to agree on the custody arrangement, the judge will make the final decision. Custody is decided after the court considers the many factors involved in the case, such as:
- The child’s age
- The child’s health
- The ability of the parents to care for the child, and so on
Types of Custody In California
- Legal custody
- This outlines which parent will make important decisions on behalf of the child, such as health care, education, and general upbringing, on behalf of the child.
- Physical custody
- This outlines which parent the child lives with at what time.
Both these types of custody can be the shared responsibility of both parents or the primary responsibility of just one parent.
Get started on your case today by calling our Lancaster child custody attorney at (661) 369-8655 or filling out our online form. Se habla español. We serve clients in the Antelope & Santa Clarita Valleys.
What Do Judges Look For in Child Custody Cases California?
The family law courts in California will consider several factors when deciding on a child custody case. The ultimate goal is always to rule in the best interest of the child.
Some of These Factors Include:
- Child’s age
- Child’s health
- Parents’ ability to care for the child
- Emotional tie between parent and child
- History of domestic violence
- History of substance abuse
- The child’s tie to home and/or community
- Child’s preference
For questions or advice regarding your specific case, contact our child custody lawyer in Lancaster today!
Is California a Mother State?
During a divorce, a custody agreement is determined based on what’s in the best interest of the child. One parent is not favored over the other when reaching a decision. This is because the state typically recognizes the husband as the child’s biological father, in cases where a couple is married.
Conversely, in cases where a couple is not married, custody solely belongs to the mother, according to California custody laws. This includes both legal and physical custody. If the parents are unwed, the father will have to petition for paternity to establish legal rights.
How Long Does a Child Custody Case Take in California?
The length of a child custody case will really depend on how complicated the case is and if the parents can reach an agreement.
- If they cannot come to an arrangement regarding custody or a parenting plan, then the case will need to be brought to a judge, thus prolonging the case.
- Additionally, any allegations made that would indicate the child would be in an unsafe or unstable environment would also need to be examined.
Can I Get Custody as a Grandparent?
Yes, according to California custody laws, a grandparent may be awarded custody of their grandchild if the judge deems it to be in the child’s best interest. This could occur if:
- The parents are found to be unfit
- The child is neglected
- The child is endangered due to domestic violence or substance abuse
Call The Jimenez Law Group, APC Today for Legal Guidance in Your Child Custody Case
Child custody can be a highly emotional and tense issue following a divorce. If you need help creating a parenting plan or wish to modify an existing child custody arrangement, get in touch with our firm to discuss your needs.
Contact our Lancaster child custody attorney online or by calling (661) 369-8655 today to learn more about your options!
Client Testimonials
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I had all the confidence in her and she never let me down.
I highly recommend the Jimenez law group. She is extremely qualified and keeps you informed every step of the way. She treats ...
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The love and support they have for their clients is outstanding!
I highly recommend The Jiménez Law Group for all your family law needs. Ms. Jiménez really helped me to see things in a ...
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This law firm has been an amazing team to work with.
This law firm has been an amazing team to work with. They answer my questions in a timely manner, they always have been ...
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Mrs. Jimenez and her office have been a pleasure to work with.
Mrs. Jimenez and her office have been a pleasure to work with. They are always respectful, reasonable, and sympathetic in ...
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I walked away feeling confident.
I reached out to The Jimenez Law Group(Chellei) for a consultation regarding guidance on my divorce. She helped me understand ...
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Thank you for all your hard work.
I highly recommend Mrs. Jimenez Law Group. They provided excellent service a with my cases. Any questions I had, Claudia was ...
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"I know I already said it, but I want to say again, thank you so much! Your willingness to help was such a blessing! May God pour out his rich blessings upon you!"
I know I already said it, but I want to say again, thank you so much! Your willingness to help was such a blessing! May God ...
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"A bundle of thanks to you for all of the thoughtfulness you've shown."
To Claudia, A bundle of thanks to you for all of the thoughtfulness you've shown.
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