Pleasanton Child Custody Lawyer

Pleasanton Child Custody Attorney

A child custody dispute can be one of the most challenging experiences of any parent’s life. A Pleasanton child custody lawyer is an invaluable asset for any parent facing a child custody determination and can assist their client in approaching the case with peace of mind. The Tierney Law Group has proven experience successfully handling these emotionally charged cases and can provide the counsel you need in your impending case.

Pleasanton Family Law Attorney

We recognize that child custody & parental visitation is a sensitive yet critical aspect of Family Law litigation, and decisions must be made that will have a significant impact on your children.

In California, child custody and visitation requires consideration of the best interests of the child. This standard mandates that the Court consider various sensitive factors which may increase the stress, discomfort, and disagreement between parents. This area of the law requires the knowledgeable, compassionate, & responsive representation that our attorneys can provide.

Whether you are seeking a custody and visitation order in connection with an action for dissolution, legal separation, abuse prevention, or parentage, we diligently work to obtain favorable outcomes for our clients while maintaining the sensitivity and attention necessary to ensure that the needs and interests of your children remains paramount.

Custody of children may be held by both parents (“joint custody”) or by one parent (“sole custody.”) Additionally, California distinguishes between “physical” and “legal” custody. If a parent has “sole legal custody,” that parent has the exclusive right and responsibility to make decisions about the health, education, and welfare of the child.

If parents share “joint legal custody,” both parents are legally entitled to make such decisions. If a parent has “sole physical custody,” the child resides with that parent and is under the supervision of that parent. The Court may order visitation to the parent who does not have physical custody.

What To Know About Child Visitation

Child visitation and custody are two of the most contentious issues that come up in family law court. They are commonly disputed situations, but the problem comes when people don’t know what their rights are or the fact that they should acquire legal representation as soon as possible. At the Tierney Law Group, we have seen this all before.

We know that family law situations are highly stressful and highly emotional for the parties involved. We only bring in the best Pleasanton CA family law attorney that you could ask for, and we are happy to walk you through each step of the legal process along the way.

The state of California has set up an intricate system by which people are granted or denied visitation rights to their children. The laws are set up with the welfare of the children in mind first and foremost, but they must be applied fairly for the adults in this situation as well.

That is why a solid Pleasanton CA child visitation attorney is a must-have for anyone who wants to continue to have access to visits with their children. Often, these cases come down to who has hired the best Pleasanton family law attorney. It is all about convincing the court that you are in fact going to be a positive influence in the lives of the children when you visit them.

Most of the visitation agreements that are set up in the California system are set to a strict and specific schedule that must be followed. Both parents are required to hold up their end of the responsibility in these situations, and you will want to make sure that you do exactly that.

Breaking the custody or visitation agreements could land you back in court yet again to get it all sorted out. Always go into these situations with the best legal representation that you can afford, and allow your attorney to do the heavy lifting for you.

California contemplates that child custody can be assigned in a number of ways:

• A parent may have sole legal and sole physical custody
• A parent may have joint legal and sole physical custody
• The parents may share both legal and physical custody
• The parents may share physical custody, while one parent has sole legal custody

We are committed to helping clients achieve their goals. Whether you need to establish a custody order, modify your current order or disagree with your ex’s attempts to modify orders, we have the experience and resources to protect your rights.

FAQs

Can I Change a Custody Order in Pleasanton?

Yes, you can change a custody order in Pleasanton under certain conditions. To succeed, you must file a petition for modification and prove that your proposed change would suit your child’s interests better than the existing order. It’s possible for a parent to request a change in order to relocate with their child, adjust the terms of a joint custody order, or address changes in their child’s health, education, or social development.

Can a Parent Lose Custody in Pleasanton?

Yes, it is possible for a parent to lose custody in Pleasanton. It is possible for a parent to voluntarily relinquish their custody rights as long as the other parent is willing to assume full custody. However, the noncustodial parent will still be required to pay child support. It is also possible for a parent to face involuntary termination of their custody and parental rights if the court determines they are a danger to their child’s health and safety.

Do Mothers Automatically Win Custody in Pleasanton?

No, mothers do not automatically win custody in Pleasanton. While family courts throughout the United States have historically overwhelmingly ruled in favor of granting majority custody rights to mothers in custody determinations, the court is required to rule in favor of the child’s best interests. It is possible for a father to win majority custody if the court determines this arrangement would better suit the child’s best interests.

What Can Disqualify a Parent From Having Child Custody?

parent could be disqualified from having child custody if the family court determines they pose a danger to their child, are incapable of handling the child’s basic needs, or have any criminal history involving domestic violence and/or child abuse. Such a parent may only receive limited supervised visitation, or they may not have any custody or visitation rights at all.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Pleasanton Child Custody Lawyer?

You need to hire a Pleasanton child custody lawyer to ensure the fairest possible outcome in your case. No matter how strong of a case for custody you believe you could present on your own, the judge may not see things the way you do, and they are required to rule in favor of the child’s best interests. Having an attorney significantly improves your chances of reaching your desired results or as close to them as possible in your child custody determination.

The right attorney can help you compile the evidence you will need to make the strongest possible case for the custody rights you hope to secure. Our team knows what is at stake in your case, and you can expect responsive and compassionate legal counsel from us. Contact the Experienced Pleasanton California Family Law and Divorce Attorneys at Tierney Law Group, PC, today for a consultation. Let our team help you at this difficult time.