A couple’s divorce, annulment, or legal separation always raises concerns for the welfare of their children. If you’re looking for child custody lawyers in Chico, there are some relevant laws that you should be aware of.
We’ve put together some information on child custody in California below:
Types of Child Custody in California
The term ‘child custody’ covers every aspect of a child’s upbringing.
There are four types of child custody:
Physical Custody
Having physical custody means you can have your child live with you in your home. The other parent will usually be granted visitation rights.
Physical custody may also be shared, which doesn’t give equal time to both parents.
The terms and conditions of visitation can vary greatly. A court may allow weekend stays, or it may restrict visitation to a few hours per week under supervision.
Legal Custody
Having sole legal custody of your child gives you the right to make decisions on their behalf. These decisions may be related to schooling, healthcare, and the general welfare of your child.
When both parents of a child are given joint legal custody, they must make all decisions together.
Sole Custody
Sole custody allows the child to live with one parent only. The parent with sole custody can make all decisions for their child.
The law prefers keeping both parents in a child’s life, so sole custody is granted when:
- One parent is unfit or poses a risk to the child’s safety
- One parent’s lifestyle may put the child in danger
- Both parents are unable to cooperate
Joint Custody
Since it also involves physical, legal, and sole custody, the terms of joint custody are customized, keeping in mind a child’s welfare.
Joint legal custody, for example, doesn’t always guarantee joint physical custody.
In other cases, a mother may have sole physical custody, whereas she might share joint legal custody with the father of her child.
Important Child Custody Laws in California
Equal Entitlement
Under Section 3010 of the California Family Code, a child custody evaluation is started with no bias towards either parent. The evaluation begins with the belief that both parents are equally entitled to custody.
Best Interests
Under Section 3011, all custody decisions made by the court prioritize the child’s best interests. This includes the child’s health, safety, and well-being.
Child’s Opinion
If a child is of 14 years or older and can express a preference, the court will take such an expression into account and give it its due importance.
Under Section 3042, children younger than 14 may also express their preference, but it won’t be considered as important.
Sharing Custody
Under Section 3002, the law prefers that parents share legal custody, physical custody, or both. This is generally considered better for the child, unless there’s evidence to the contrary.
Changing Terms of Custody
Under Section 3087, the law allows either parent to request changes in custody arrangements or visitation terms.
Connecting with experienced child custody and visitation lawyers in Chico can help you secure your child’s best interests. As one of the trusted Chico Child Custody Law Firms, Ron Marquez Law Corp is here to help you with your child support and child custody case. Contact us today to get started.
In Need Of Child Custody And Visitation Lawyers In Chico, CA
When it comes to child custody proceedings, there is a lot of sentiment involved amongst the parties involved. Divorce and child custody battles can be emotionally and psychologically draining for everyone involved, especially the parents. In addition to making the process of court hearings less stressful, getting a child custody attorney in Chicho increases your chances of winning your case.
Child visitation attorneys in Chico, CA, have the skill set necessary to reach agreements with the other side without resorting to personal attacks or accusations. This is a critical issue since an unbiased representative who can negotiate and fight for you while being level-headed is essential for a successful agreement.
Ex-spouses, partners, and family members who have had tumultuous relationships can make matters even more difficult for themselves if they don’t seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
Why Should I Hire A Child Custody Attorney In Chico?
If you want the best solution for your circumstance, you should think about getting a child custody attorney. A gap or hatred can develop even if the parties involved at the beginning of the relationship are friendly.
Being represented in mediation or court by an attorney is also a great benefit to having an attorney oversee the legal aspects of the case. An experienced family law attorney will be able to help you get the custody arrangement that you want in a case that involves many jurisdictions.
