Fact Book: Child Custody In California

Overview

If you are planning on seeking a divorce from your spouse, it is imperative that you contact a trained legal professional to discuss your case before making any decisions. We understand the trauma and emotional struggle that our clients are suffering during this problematic time, and we make it our mission to help you get through your divorce proceedings with as little difficulty as possible.

The divorce process is made infinitely more complicated when children are involved. The division of physical property is difficult enough; attempting to fairly divide the rights and responsibilities involved in caring for a child is especially hard. In the state of California, there are several key concepts important to understanding and navigating this complex procedure.

Agreeing to settlement outside of court is always preferable to an extended legal battle. Nevertheless, when you need representation to secure the best outcome for yourself and your children, you need the help of a Pasadena family law attorney.

Physical and Legal Custody

When seeking to determine custodianship of the child or children, there are two primary concerns that the court will have. These are physical custody and legal custody.

Physical custody entails the right and responsibility to provide a home and care for your child on a daily basis. Feeding, clothing, and sheltering your child are all encompassed by this concept. If the court rules to award sole physical custody to a parent, he or she is the primary caretaker, with the other usually being awarded visitation rights.

Legal custody, by contrast, is the right to make life decisions for your child or children. This includes such important rights as deciding where your child will go to school, what extra-curricular activities your child engages in, the child’s religious practices or lack thereof, and the healthcare of the child. California courts rarely award sole legal custody unless one parent is seen as incompetent or detrimental to the child.

A Family Law Attorney Is On Your Side

With the help of a skilled divorce lawyer from the Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, your rights and interests can be protected! Our firm is trained in the art of mediation as well as courtroom confrontation, and is ready and willing to dedicate our experience to your case.

Contact a Pasadena child custody lawyer as soon as possible.