Fontana Child Visitation Lawyer

Fontana Child Visitation Attorney

When parents are facing important decisions regarding child visitation, also called “parenting time,” it is important to understand that California state law is written to protect the interests of the child. Furthermore, there are many facets of child visitation, and your family law case will have an ideal outcome when you choose the right Fontana child visitation lawyer.

Edgar & Dow Family Law is a firm committed to the sensitive cases that fall under the canopy of family law. We recognize the uniqueness of each case and understand that every client is a family, and every family is different.

Why Choose Edgar & Dow Family Law?

Parenting time, or child visitation, is an important component of a well-planned parenting plan, and there are laws that dictate the parameters of child visitation. When you hire an Edgar & Dow Family Law Fontana child visitation lawyer, you will have a partner in your legal matters who will help you every step of the way, taking the time to ensure you understand the laws and how they apply to your case while facilitating your progress through the process as quickly and easily as possible.

Types of Child Visitation Orders in Fontana

There are different types of parenting time orders, also called visitation orders, including visitation that is open, scheduled, supervised, or no visitation. The four types of parenting time include:

• Scheduled visitation. Scheduled visitation is typically a planned timetable that states specifically what parent will have visitation with the children on certain days and times of the week and will often include scheduled visits for holidays, special occasions, and other important dates, including vacations, for the entire year.
• Open visitation. Open visitation orders, also called reasonable visitation orders, allow parents who get along well to work out child visitation schedules at their own convenience. This type of child visitation order is typically reserved for parents who are flexible and can communicate well. Parents who do not have this kind of relationship and their children will benefit more from scheduled visitation.
• Supervised visitation. Supervised visitation is parenting time that is ordered when there are concerns regarding the safety and well-being of a child when they are with one or both parents. These types of visitations are supervised by whoever the court deems fit to supervise, such as another adult in the family or even a professional agency. This is also useful in cases of parent and child reunification.
• No visitation. When visitation with a parent is deemed emotionally or physically harmful to a child, a judge may order no parenting time for one parent. This visitation order does not allow visitation for the child with the harmful parent, even if supervised. There are special laws in place to protect children whose parents or home life have a history of domestic violence.

What Is the Child’s Best Interest?

You may have heard the term “in the child’s best interest.” In California, this is an important factor in the ruling of all cases, especially those cases that include child visitation. When two parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, child visitation schedule, or family time, it is up to the courts to decide that for them. When ruling over cases such as these, a judge will consider the child’s interest as paramount in making that decision on behalf of the family.

A judge considers whether one parent’s situation would put the child in danger when determining the best interests of the child. For instance, if a parent has an ongoing substance abuse problem, if there is a history of violence, or if one parent lacks the ability to provide proper care for the child, it would be in the child’s interest for the judge to consider these factors.

The judge will deliberate over other circumstantial details when ruling on child visitation orders, including the age of the child, the health of the child, the emotional bonds between the parents and the child, and the child’s attachment to certain components of their life, such as their community, home, extended family, neighborhood, or school. Taking into account all relevant factors allows a judge to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child.

FAQs About Fontana, CA Child Visitation Laws

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of a child custody lawyer in Fontana can vary based on certain details of each unique case, including the area or region of the case and the degree of complexity of the case. Also, more experienced lawyers might charge more than the average family lawyer. Taking this into consideration, a child custody lawyer typically charges an average of $300-$600 per hour or more.

Who Wins Most Child Custody Cases?

While historically, mothers have secured child custody in more cases, today, more than ever, fathers are being awarded custody. In California, and especially in child custody cases, rulings are determined on a case-by-case basis, and neither mothers nor fathers are prioritized over the other. Courts are, by definition, intended to be impartial in making decisions, and this is true for those that concern families. The interest of the child is always upheld as the primary influence on court decisions.

What Not to Say During a Custody Battle?

During a custody battle, opposing parents should not say anything criticizing each other or about each other, or make derogatory or negative remarks about each other in front of the judge. Furthermore, they should not make threats or use violent behavior in public or private, and it is recommended that parents refrain from using social media to discuss their custody cases.

Can You File for Visitation Without a Lawyer?

You can file for visitation without a lawyer, but the process is very complicated, and it is recommended practice to seek professional legal advice, especially if your case is contested. You do have the right to represent yourself in court, but without proper training and knowledge of court processes, it is not advised, particularly if the opposing parent has retained legal counsel.

Get Legal Assistance From a Reputable Fontana Child Visitation Lawyer

You have enough stress and difficulties to deal with. Getting legal assistance for your child visitation case can help you focus on more important things, like your family. Contact Edgar & Dow Family Law and get the legal help you deserve and the stress relief you need.