How To Make Modifications To Child Custody in California

One of the most important topics in just about every divorce arrangement involves child custody. A child custody agreement is set at the time of the divorce. It specifies the rights and responsibilities of parents with respect to their children. It also specifies the rights of the children. At the same time, the living situations of parents and children can change from the first time the child custody arrangement is put into place. If you need to make changes to child custody arrangements, what do you have to do? You should rely on a Pleasanton family lawyer for assistance.

Complete the Request Form

First, you have to complete the Request for Order form. You may also want to complete the Custody and Visitation Attachment. This document must specify the reason behind the change. These documents can be confusing for someone who does not have experience in the legal field, so you will probably want to work with a Pleasanton CA divorce attorney who has experienced filling out these documents.

Have the Forms Reviewed and Filed

You should have your forms reviewed by a divorce lawyer in Pleasanton CA to make sure you have clearly stated your case for making a change to the child custody arrangement. After this, you will have to make two copies of each form. You will keep the original, you will submit one copy to the court, and you will provide another copy to the other parent. After the forms have been filed, the clerk of court should stamp them. You will also have to pay a filing fee in order to file these documents with the court.

Schedule a Court Date

Once you have filed the papers with the help of a Pleasanton CA child custody attorney, you can get a court date from the county clerk. In some situations, mediation may be required. If that is the case, you may have to meet with a mediator before the court date.

Serve the Court Papers

You also have to serve the court papers to the other party. You have to provide formal notice of the request to change using a third-party service. And a lot of situations, a sheriff can act as a process server. Or, you may want to work with a professional server. If you cannot find anyone else, you may be able to use a legal adult who was not involved with the case. If you need help finding someone who can serve the papers for you, a child custody attorney in Pleasanton CA may be able to assist you.

Attend a Court Hearing or Go Through Mediation

Finally, it is time to attend a court hearing. Before you go to court, you may be required to go through a mediator. If mediation is required, you and the other parent may be able to resolve whatever child custody issue is present at that time. If that is not possible, you will go to court and state your case to the judge. The judge will be responsible for making a decision. You should work with a Pleasanton CA child custody modification attorney who can vigorously defend your rights every step of the way.

Enlist the Help of Tierney Law Group

If you need to make changes to your child custody agreement, you have to place your case in the best position possible to be successful. That is where a trained Pleasanton CA child custody attorney can help you. We are Tierney Law Group, and we have an unparalleled level of experience dealing with child custody issues. We know that nothing is more important to you than the health and safety of your children. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, please contact us today!