Eastvale Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney in Eastvale, CA

Child custody is a serious issue that should be handled with the utmost care and conscientiousness. Family law disputes can be extremely stressful and overwhelming for all parties involved, so it is imperative to seek experienced counsel. If you are in the Eastvale area and find yourself facing a child custody decision, you should enlist the help of an experienced Eastvale, CA, child custody lawyer.

About The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic

At The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate difficult family law situations with confidence. We know that the people who walk into our office are going through the most stressful times in their lives, so we work hard to make sure our clients feel seen and heard. Family law is our focus. Whatever you are facing, we have the knowledge and experience to help you reach a resolution that works for you and your family.

Child Custody in California

Almost no one enters a marriage with the intent to divorce, but divorce is a reality for millions of Americans. In 2023 alone, more than 1.8 million people in America got divorced. California is not immune to these trends. In Riverside County, the divorce rate is about 9.6%, which is slightly higher than the national average. Understanding the California divorce process is often the first step for parents transitioning into separate households.

Given the prevalence of divorce, child custody arrangements are a major topic of family law here in Eastvale. Custody disputes are also relevant for parents who have never been married but need to establish a plan for taking care of their shared children.

In California, there are two major forms of child custody. Legal custody designates the right to make major decisions for and about a child, such as education choices, religious upbringing, and medical treatment options, among others. Physical custody refers to the physical location of the child and who they live with most of the time.

Parents can share both legal and physical custody, or one parent can have sole legal or physical custody. These aspects of child custody are decided separately, so it is possible for parents to share physical custody while one parent maintains sole legal custody.

Physical and legal custody arrangements can be established by making a parenting plan. If the parents can communicate civilly and come to an agreement about custody, they can simply put the plan together themselves, with the help of a lawyer, and have a judge sign off on it. Many parents wonder what the most common custody arrangement in California is, If the parents cannot communicate well or cannot agree, they may need to go through a custody hearing so a judge can decide on an arrangement for them.

Establishing a Child Custody Arrangement in Eastvale, California

The first step in the process of establishing child custody is filing an initial petition. If you are getting divorced, the petition can be filed as part of the divorce case. If you are not married and simply trying to establish a legal custody arrangement, the petition is a standalone filing. After one parent files the initial petition, the other parent has 30 days to respond to it, You may want to consult an skilled Eastvale, CA, divorce lawyer to ensure your custody requests are filed correctly.

If the parents agree on a proposed parenting plan, the rest of the process is fairly simple. It involves submitting the plan to the court and having a judge sign off on it, which legitimizes it as a court-ordered custody arrangement.

If the parents cannot agree, the next step is mediation. This involves a court-appointed mediator working with the parents to attempt to reach a solution. If the parents still cannot resolve the matter, the final step is a court hearing in front of a judge. For people residing in Eastvale, this hearing would take place at the Family Law Division of the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

It is highly advisable to have legal counsel for every step of the child custody process. If you expect to need a child custody arrangement, you should first hire a child custody lawyer.

If you and the other parent get along, your attorney can make sure your parenting plan is solid and can be approved in court. However, if the situation is contentious, an Eastvale child custody attorney can help you build your case for the custody arrangement you want. They can accompany you all the way to a final court hearing, should your case reach that stage.

FAQs

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of a custody lawyer in California is highly variable, as it depends on the individual attorney’s rates and the complexity of the case. Most lawyers ask for an initial lump-sum payment, called a retainer, before you can use their services. The attorney’s actual time is then billed against the retainer deposit as the case goes on.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

In a custody battle, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is appearing to try to alienate the child’s other parent. The foremost priority for everyone involved in a custody battle should be the well-being of the child in question, and it is generally assumed that a relationship with both parents is in the best interest of a child. It is important not to let your feelings about the other parent become the focus of a child custody case.

Is It Possible to Modify a Child Custody Arrangement?

Yes, it is possible to modify a child custody arrangement after it is established. Sometimes, life circumstances change, so custody arrangements must change to accommodate that. If you need to modify an existing court order, you can file a request for modification. Your attorney can help you through this process and explain the relevant child custody laws.

How Do You Win a Child Custody Case in California?

There is no one sure way to “win” a child custody case in California. It is important to hire a skilled attorney to help you build and present your case. However, the focus for any child custody case should be the happiness, safety, and mental health of the child in question. Parents should focus on that goal and cooperate as much as possible for the good of the child.

Contact a Eastvale Child Custody Lawyer for Immediate Help

If you are facing a custody battle or simply need to craft a legally valid parenting plan, you need a knowledgeable family law attorney to guide you through the legal process. Establishing child custody can be complicated and stressful, but you don’t have to face that uncertainty alone. Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you.

Eastvale, CA Child Custody Resources

• What are my parental rights in California?
• Is California a 50/50 custody state?
• Can a mother withhold a child from the father in California?
• What voids a custody agreement in California?