Fontana Child Custody Lawyer

Fontana Child Custody Attorney

Any legal matter that involves your children and their well-being can be intimidating to navigate, especially if your spouse is no longer on your side. Such situations can leave you feeling frustrated and alone, wondering if you are making the right decisions. A Fontana child custody lawyer can be of help in many ways, advocating on your behalf and helping you understand the important laws regarding child custody in California.

It is vital to remember that you do not have to manage this alone. A divorce lawyer can alleviate the legal pressures you may be experiencing and offer a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on during this difficult time. The Edgar & Dow team has years of experience aiding clients in Fontana with their child custody matters.

Child Custody in California

Child custody refers to the rights that a parent or close family members may be legally granted to their children in the event of a divorce or death. Custody, in the event of a divorce, needs to be determined in two ways: legal and physical.

Legal custody refers to the responsibility of making decisions for or on behalf of the child. This can be in regards to matters such as where they will attend school, what religion they will practice, and what doctor they will see. In some cases, parents may be granted the ability to share legal custody. If this is not the case, one parent can assume these responsibilities.

Physical custody refers to the responsibility of physically caring for the child through providing shelter, meals, clothing, and the day-to-day basic needs. Similarly to legal custody, parents may choose to share this responsibility. An example of this would be children living at each parent’s house on a rotating week-by-week basis or having weekend visits to one parent’s house while living primarily with the other parent.

Visitation Rights in Fontana, CA

The custody plan that parents create with the supervision and aid of their lawyers and the court system includes many components. One of these is visitation rights for the parent who may retain less physical and legal rights to their children. It can also include the visitation rights of grandparents.

A visitation order can be created with the help of a family lawyer, and the specifications of when, where, and for how long a parent or grandparents may exercise visitation rights can be outlined. In the process of creating these regulations, mediation may be required. A child custody lawyer can walk you through each step of this process, answering any questions you have along the way.

In the event that both parents are safe and healthy, the goal that is often pursued in child custody cases is for children to have adequate time with each parent in order to maintain a healthy relationship. While there are circumstances in which this may not be the optimal option, this is the ultimate goal of the court is whatever is in the best interest of the child.

FAQs About Fontana, CA Child Custody Laws

How Long Does a Child Custody Case Take in California?

The timeframe of a child custody case in Fontana will depend on various factors. Some factors which affect the length of time include the cooperation and agreeability of the parents, the court’s schedule, and the complexity of the details of the case such as how many children are involved and if there are any special needs involved.

How Much Does a Child Custody Case Cost in California?

There is no set cost for a child custody case in California, but you can expect to pay for filing the appropriate paperwork and for the legal help you may receive from an attorney. Each child custody case is unique and may require varying amounts of time to be resolved, which can also contribute to the overall cost. These costs may be able to be split between you and your spouse. Discuss any legal fees with your attorney.

Am I Required to Have a Lawyer for a Child Custody Case in California?

While you are allowed to represent yourself in court during a child custody case, there are many benefits to hiring an experienced child custody or family lawyer. The process of determining legal and physical custody for your children is an important matter, and you should be aware of every law relating to your case. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and make decisions that are in the interests of your children.

Will I Be Required to Pay Child Support?

You may or may not be required to pay child support if you and your spouse divorce. Each case is unique. In many cases, the parent with less physical and legal obligations for the children is asked or required to pay child support to make up for their decreased amount of responsibility. In other cases, the amount of money that each parent earns can be the determining factor in who pays child support.

The Edgar & Dow – Child Custody Lawyers

It can be emotionally distressing and exhausting to make decisions concerning the well-being of your children in the event of a separation from your spouse. Many of the decisions that need to be made will have significant long-term effects. For these reasons, it is essential to be adequately aware of and familiar with the laws that affect you and your family. Knowing your rights and the rights of your children can help inform the decisions you make.

One straightforward way to become familiar with these laws is to hire the assistance of a child custody lawyer. Lawyers who have handled previous child custody cases can assess your family’s situation and provide legal advice based on scenarios they have dealt with in the past.

At the Edgar & Dow, we have helped many families in Fontana navigate the process of child custody, each time ensuring our clients are treated with respect and that their needs are advocated for. Contact us today to ask questions and learn more about California child custody laws and how we may be able to help.