San Diego, California Child Custody Attorneys
In the state of California, child custody and visitation rights are determined according to what the court believes is in the best interest of a child. In awarding custody, the court takes into account a number of factors including the income of both parents, their work history, health, education, earning potential, criminal history, and relationship with their child.
While the court will consider which parent the child prefers to stay with, the ultimate deciding factor is what the court believes is in the best interest of a child. At the Law Office of Lori Clark Viviano, we prepare and present our client's petition for child custody. If necessary, we consult child psychologists and social workers in evaluating the positive impact our client's home and relationship will have on their children.
If you are involved in a child custody dispute, contact divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Lori Clark Viviano today. While most child custody disputes are part of a divorce, we also represent grandparents, step parents, and fathers who have established their paternity and are interested in challenging an adoption.
Child Custody - Issues that Arise
Our office counsels and represents clients in regard to the following child custody issues:
- Relocations / move aways
- Visitation disputes
- Adoption challenges
- Joint custody arrangements
- Sole custody arrangements
- Child custody and military divorces
- Child custody and immigration issues
Determination of Child Custody and the Best Interests of the Child
In the state of California, the court may order an in-depth study of the home life and family relationships involved in child custody dispute. Referred to as a "730 evaluation," experts are brought in to investigate the quality of home life dynamics within a family. Typically, 730 evaluations are ordered only in high-conflict divorces; however, the court may order a 730 evaluation if it believes doing so is important in determining to whom to award custody.
In other cases, the court evaluates what is in the best interest of a child, given documentation provided by each parent in support of his or her petition to retain custody. Here, it's important to provide evidence of involvement in your child's life. Did you coach your son's baseball team? Participate in your daughter's Girl Scout events? Regularly drive your child to school? Did you stay at home with your children while your spouse worked? Who planned the family vacations?
Positioning Your Child Custody Case
Even if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse get along now, disagreements over child custody could cause your working relationship to quickly deteriorate. His or her lawyer will do what they believe is necessary to leverage your ex-spouse's petition for custody of your children. That's why it's important to be prepared with information and documentation indicating your fitness as a parent. You should also be prepared for your ex to "air dirty laundry" in court in order to undermine your reputation and fitness as a parent.
At the Law Office of Lori Clark Viviano, we're familiar with the tactics used by ex-spouses to try and gain the upper hand in custody disputes. To schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you, contact child custody disputes attorneys at Lori Clark Viviano today.
