Alamo Child Custody Lawyer

Alamo Child Custody Attorney

Each parent is responsible for providing a stable environment for their children. When a family separation occurs or when parents are at odds about decisions involving their children, it is highly recommended that they contact a knowledgeable Alamo, CA, child custody lawyer.

Tierney Law Group, PC, is a family law firm that assists communities in Alamo, CA, and the Bay Area, providing compassionate and ethical legal counsel on matters of child custody, child support, and divorce. We work diligently to help you secure a fair custody agreement that affords both parents rights over a child and that safeguards the well-being of your children.

Available Options for Parents Seeking Custody

Even when both parents get along, it is important to consider the benefits of pursuing and obtaining a child custody arrangement through your local county family court. It can help avoid confusion in the future, and it may facilitate pursuing child support or sole custody if necessary.

A child custody agreement consists of three different elements: legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time.

• Legal custody. This is the right to make decisions about the child’s education, religious activities, healthcare, and other aspects of the child’s life.
• Physical custody. The decision of where the child will physically reside.
• Parenting time. An adequate time-sharing agreement where a parent who may not have physical custody can have a predetermined schedule of when they can visit or spend time with the child.

One parent can pursue sole physical and/or legal custody, or both parents can share joint custody.

Parenting time or visitation can be managed through a schedule, and supervised visitation can be recommended if it is not to the benefit of the child to be alone with the other parent.

A parent may also be given no visitation if there is a history of child abuse or domestic violence.

A child custody case may be pursued as part of divorce proceedings. Alamo, CA, families may also open a child custody case by filing a petition through the Superior Court of Contra Costa County. If both parents can agree on an adequate arrangement, a child custody case can be resolved without having to go in front of a family court judge.

Reasons to Contact an Alamo, CA, Child Custody Lawyer

Dealing with the family court system can seem straightforward. However, there are some considerations you need to take before deciding to pursue a child custody case on your own, including:

• Whether you understand child custody law well enough.
• Whether you understand the necessary petitions and filing processes in your county court.
• How to present the argument for your case.
• Whether the other parent is working with a knowledgeable attorney.

It is likely to your advantage to have the legal counsel of a skilled child custody lawyer who has years of practice and a deep grasp of child custody law and court processes.

Prioritizing Your Child’s Well-Being

One of the most important reasons to seek legal counsel during a child custody dispute is to ensure that your child’s well-being is put above all else.

When parents disagree about child custody, this can trickle down and introduce instability in your child’s life. A child custody attorney can help separate the emotional aspects of the case from the legal ones.

A seasoned family law attorney may also be able to pursue child support on your behalf in conjunction with a child custody petition, helping secure the financial rights of your child.

Avoiding Legal Issues Down the Road

Having a clear and adequate child custody arrangement that accounts for all aspects of decision-making on behalf of your child can help you avoid legal issues in the future.

A child custody attorney can advise you on the implications of the agreement, including what you can and cannot do to not violate the agreement. As a parent, you may believe you are entitled to make changes to your child’s living arrangements or other aspects of your life. However, this may violate the rights of the other parent, putting you in a potential legal gray area.

It is also highly encouraged that you work with a knowledgeable Alamo, CA, child custody lawyer if you are planning to relocate with your child or if you need to establish legal parentage to be afforded parental rights.

Modifying Child Custody Arrangements

It is possible to modify child custody arrangements in the future if it is for the benefit of the child.

For families that experience child abuse or domestic violence, a skilled attorney may guide you in pursuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) and petitioning and receiving ex-parte custody and visitation orders to make temporary changes to child custody arrangements if a child is in danger.

A family law attorney is able to support you if you are seeking to amend a child custody arrangement you believe is inequitable or when the other parent is not complying with the agreement, including preventing visitation.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?

A: The cost of a child custody lawyer depends on the complexity of the case. If you are pursuing custody for more than one child, or if there is deep disagreement between both parents, this may lead to a protracted custody case, which may incur higher lawyer fees.

An attorney’s location and years of practice may also factor into their cost.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Custody?

A: You do not need a lawyer for a child custody case in the state, though it is highly recommended. A child custody attorney may help you separate the emotional aspects of a case from the legal aspects, leading to a more adequate and prompt resolution of your case.

A child custody lawyer is also more knowledgeable about child custody laws in California and thus better equipped to argue on your behalf in front of a judge.

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

A: Some of the mistakes that a parent can make in a custody battle include not demonstrating enough commitment to a case by failing to show up to hearings or meetings with the other parent. You are discouraged from disparaging a parent in front of a child. Violating a child custody order may also endanger your child custody rights in the future.

Q: What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases?

A: When reviewing a child custody case, a judge considers what is in the best interest of the child. This may include the child’s opinion if they are mature enough to decide. They also review where the child can have the most stability and the commitment that both parents have shown in their relationship with their child.

Our Committed Alamo, CA, Child Custody Lawyers Have Your Back

You need the support of a trusted attorney who is a problem solver and who can fight for your child custody rights. When you work with attorneys at Tierney Law Group, PC, you can expect constant communication and clarity about your case at all times.

Schedule a consultation and learn more about the solutions available in your child custody case.