Child Custody Attorney in Westlake Village

Understanding Different Types of Child Custody

When two parents decide to get a divorce, child custody must be determined. Divorce will have a serious effect on the child's future, so the decision regarding custody must be carefully made in order to ensure the child's best interest is served. If parents fail to do so, the child could suffer unnecessarily for something that was not their fault or decision.

When deciding child custody, the court chooses between four variations:

• Sole physical custody
  • Only one parent has custody
• Sole legal custody
  • Both parents share custody
• Joint physical custody
  • Determines Who the Child Lives With
• Joint legal custody
  • Determines who makes important life-decisions for the underage child

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Contact Us for a Consultation with a Westlake Village Child Custody Attorney

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Important Factors in Child Custody

Child custody matters are often the most contentious aspects in divorce. We understand this fact and we know that when the welfare and well-being of your child is at stake, there is very little you would not do. Difficulties arise when the parties in a divorce or custody case are unable to come to a mutual agreement as to what will be in their child's best interests.

The most common factors that could influence or determine child custody based on the child's best interests are:

• The capability of each parent to financially provide for the child
• Whether or not each parent will be able to maintain a physical home and safe living space for the child
• If each parent can emotionally and spiritually attend to the child's needs and wishes
• How much each parent is willing and able to personally invest in the child's upbringing
• Issues involving alcohol or drug addiction can also influence the court's decision regarding child custody

Another key factor in child custody cases is determining not only the child's relationship with each parent, but whether the child has a reasonable preference as to where he or she wishes to live. The guiding factor, and which holds the most influence in child custody cases, is always the best interests of the child.

Our firm knows how complicated child custody cases can become, and we know the extent to which some parents will go to attempt to obtain custody of their child, even if it is not in their child's best interests. Our firm is dedicated to helping you to protect your parental rights and obtain the outcome you feel is best for your children.

Divorce Orders for Noncustodial Parents: Visitation

Have you been denied custody of your child? Even if this is the case, you still have the right to fight for visitation. This ensures that you still have the right to see your child and spend quality time with them after your divorce is finalized. Without a visitation order, the other custodial parent could refuse you the right to visit your child, speak with them, or contact them in any way. This will be impossible the moment you obtain a visitation order from a family law judge. Visitation rights are usually ordered by a judge when it is proven that severing the noncustodial parent's relationship with their child would not be in the child's best interest.

The best interests of the child are always the deciding factor for any matter involving a child in divorce, which is why you need a Westlake Village divorce lawyer who can skillfully build and present a strong argument on your behalf. Attorney Richard Ross has over 30 years of family law experience. He has even been board certified in family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization, which requires extensive testing and peer review. Set up your initial consultation with an attorney from Richard Ross Associates today to find out how we can help you obtain visitation rights in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks.

Contact the Team at Richard Ross Associates Today

Searching for an experienced child custody lawyer in Westlake Village, CA? In order to win a custody or visitation case, you will need an attorney who can skillfully build your case to prove that your child's best interests lie with you having custody or visitation rights. Contact Richard Ross Associates to learn how we can provide such capable representation. Attorney Ross has over 30 years of experience in family law and is a board-certified family law specialist. Speak with us today to set up your case evaluation with a Thousand Oaks child custody attorney who can fight for the custody order that you and your child deserve.