Calabasas Child Custody Lawyer

Many Calabasas parents enter the Los Angeles Superior Court for child custody cases each year. Whether you are preparing for divorce proceedings at the Central Civil West Courthouse or you are an unmarried parent who needs to establish a formal custody order, an experienced Calabasas child custody lawyer will be an invaluable asset to your case. The team at Hoffer Family Law Firm can provide unmatched legal counsel through these difficult proceedings.

Experienced Legal Representation for Child Custody Cases in Calabasas, CA

Hoffer Family Law Firm provides client-focused legal counsel for child custody cases in the Calabasas area. We know these are deeply personal cases, and you are likely to have many difficult questions, whether you face a standalone custody dispute or a custody battle as an element of a larger divorce case. When you hire a child custody lawyer, you have a dedicated legal advocate ready to assist you with every step of your proceedings.

Jeffrey Hoffer wrote Ending Your Marriage in California: A Guide for Divorcing Wisely, a detailed book full of useful information about the divorce process in California. If you are divorcing in Calabasas, one of the wealthiest communities in the greater Los Angeles area, you’re likely to have many complex financial questions about your upcoming divorce, and a child custody battle is also likely to be a point of contention in your divorce proceedings.

Our team will carefully review the details of your situation, listen to your goals for child custody, and provide ongoing support as these difficult proceedings unfold. It’s important to remember that child custody and related issues cannot be negotiated privately in California. While you and your coparent may develop the framework of a parenting plan, custody must be approved by a judge who will ensure the custody terms suit the child’s best interests.

Understanding Child Custody Disputes in Calabasas

According to the US Census, about 10.5% of women and about 7% of men throughout California are divorced, and while the state has a lower divorce rate than the national average, there are still thousands of these cases filed each year in various family court systems across the state. When parents divorce, deciding custody of their children is usually one of the most challenging parts of their case.

A custody case must address two forms of custody:

• Legal custody determines the ability to make important decisions for a child. As long as both parents are deemed fit to handle parental responsibilities, legal custody is usually shared even if one parent has greater physical custody than the other. This means the parents must consult one another before making any important decisions for their child.
• Physical custody determines the child’s residence and how much time they will spend with each parent. Family court judges in California try to arrange joint custody whenever possible so the child can spend close to equal time with each of their parents. Joint custody can be arranged in various ways, usually depending on how close the parents live to one another.

Each parent will have the right to petition for the custody rights they believe they should have, but the court will evaluate numerous factors to determine what sort of arrangement would benefit their child the most. A family court judge will review:

• Each parent’s criminal history.
• Each parent’s work schedule and availability to handle the child’s daily needs.
• The income of each parent.
• How close each parent lives to their child’s school, doctors, and extended family.
• The child’s preferences. If they have a stronger bond with one parent and can convey their preferences, this can influence the judge’s decision.

Your Calabasas child custody lawyer can help you build a strong case for the custody terms you hope to secure. They can also ensure that the terms of the accompanying child support order are fair and will provide your child with the financial support they need. Your attorney will also be ready to resolve any unexpected disputes that arise during your custody case.

Ultimately, facing a child custody determination can be extremely difficult for any parent, and it’s vital to know your rights as you enter this process. The team at Hoffer Family Law Firm can provide unwavering support throughout all stages of your custody case, and we’re confident we can help you secure a favorable outcome. Reach out to our firm at your earliest convenience so we can assist you with preparing for your custody case.

FAQs

Q: What Evidence Do You Need for a Child Custody Case?

A: Evidence you may need for a child custody case includes anything that proves you are a stable and positive influence on your child’s life. You may need copies of communications with your coparent, various records, including medical, school, and financial, witness statements from close friends and other parties who can testify as to your parenting ability, and a comprehensive parenting plan that shows you are ready to handle your parental responsibilities.

Q: Can I Change a Custody Order in Calabasas?

A: Yes, it is possible to change a custody order in Calabasas through the modification process. You must prove that there is a legitimate reason for the requested change, and your coparent may argue against this at your modification hearing. If you experience any major life event that conflicts with your current custody order, you should consult your Calabasas child custody attorney as soon as possible, and they can help you take the next steps.

Q: What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

A: The biggest mistake a parent can make in a custody battle is failing to prioritize their child’s best interests. Whether a custody battle is part of a divorce case or it unfolds between unmarried parents, both parents must refrain from allowing any personal issues they have with each other to influence their behavior during these proceedings. If a judge believes that a parent is not prioritizing their child’s interests, it is likely to sway their final decision.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Calabasas?

A: You should hire a child custody lawyer in Calabasas to have a better chance of reaching your desired outcome. A custody case is inherently emotionally challenging, and a skilled local attorney can help you make sound decisions and remain focused on your child’s best interests. Your attorney will also be invaluable should any unexpected complications arise, and they can also help if you must revisit your custody order in the future for any reason. The team at Hoffer Family Law Firm is ready to assist you with every step of your child custody case proceedings in Calabasas. We are confident we can help you reach a positive conclusion, so contact us today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Calabasas child custody lawyer.