Child Custody & Visitation

Valencia Child Custody & Visitation Lawyers

Serving Parents in Valencia, Santa Clarita Valley & the Counties of Los Angeles, Valencia & Orange

Child custody and visitation arrangements are often some of the most contentious and emotionally charged aspects of a divorce. This is because they directly impact the well-being of the children involved and define the future family dynamics. Parents naturally want their children's best interests prioritized and may have different views on how that should be accomplished. This can lead to disagreements, disputes, and emotional strain.

At Jackman Law, P.C., we can help you resolve this complex issue with compassion, an understanding of California law and court policy, and an objective viewpoint. We know that securing a favorable custody arrangement is crucial for your child’s well-being and your peace of mind. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing you with informed guidance and vigorous representation to achieve an outcome that best serves your family's needs.

Book a free case evaluation with a Valencia child custody and visitation attorney at Jackman Law, P.C. by phone at (661) 990-9651 or email us on our contact form to get started.

Types of Custody in Valencia, CA

In California, two types of custody can be awarded by the courts:

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the right to make significant decisions about the child's life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Custody can be either joint, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities, or sole, where only one parent has the authority to make these decisions.

Physical Custody

This determines where the child will live and which parent will be responsible for the child's daily care. Physical custody can also be joint, where the child spends significant time with both parents or sole, where the child primarily resides with one parent while the other may have visitation rights.

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We know how important your case is to you, so we tailor our strategies to focus on your specific needs and goals.
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Our services run the gamut of what you may encounter throughout your case, providing consistency and continued care.
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Our dedicated team of compassionate legal advocates will walk through the legal process with you from start to finish.
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With our commitment to transparency and communication, you'll never be left wondering where your case stands.

Valencia Parenting Plans in California Custody Cases

Parenting plans, or custody agreements, are required in a divorce involving children. These plans should include several key components to clarify and address the child's needs. The more detailed they are, the less chance exists for misunderstandings, disagreements, or other issues that can arise for co-parents.

Parenting plans generally include:

Custody arrangements: Details about where the child will live and how time will be divided between parents. Information on who will make important decisions regarding the child's health, education, and welfare.
Visitation schedule: A detailed schedule outlining when the child will be with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, and special occasions, such as birthdays and family events.
Holiday and vacation planning: Make specific arrangements for holidays, school breaks, and summer vacations, allowing both parents to spend time with the child during these periods.
Transportation and exchange logistics: Details on how the child will be transported between parents, including who is responsible for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Decision-making protocols: Guidelines for how parents will make decisions about daily activities, such as extra-curricular sports, social events, or other matters.
Communication guidelines: Rules for how parents will communicate with each other and with the child, including phone calls, emails, and other forms of contact.
Dispute resolution: A process for resolving disagreements regarding the parenting plan, such as mediation or counseling.
Flexibility and modifications: Provisions for modifying the plan as the child grows and circumstances change so that the plan remains in the child's best interests.

Resolving Child Custody & Visitation Issues

You and your co-parent can agree on custody and create your own parenting plan. This can be done through negotiation, often with the help of your respective attorneys. A judge typically approves these agreements if they meet the court policy of doing what is in the child’s best interests. If you and your co-parent cannot agree, several methods can be used to resolve the issue.

Mediation

California requires mediation if parents cannot agree. In some counties, this process is known as "child custody recommending counseling" (CCRC). Mediation aims to help parents reach a mutually agreeable solution regarding custody and visitation, focusing on the child's best interests.

If an agreement is reached, it can be submitted to the court for approval. If mediation does not result in an agreement, the mediator may provide a recommendation to the court, which the judge can consider when making a final custody decision.

Litigation

The matter will be resolved in court if the parents cannot agree through mediation or negotiation. A judge will make a final determination based on various factors to ensure the arrangement serves the child's best interests.

These factors can include:

The child's age and health
The emotional ties between the child and each parent
Each parent's ability to care for the child
The child's connection to their home, school, and community
Any history of family violence or substance abuse
The child's preference if they are of sufficient age and capacity to form an intelligent preference
Any other relevant factors

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How Jackman Law, P.C. Can Help in Your Custody Case

Choosing our team means entrusting your custody matters to skilled and compassionate professionals. We offer personalized attention, objective advice, and rigorous representation in court when needed.

Our overriding mission is to protect parental rights while adhering to California court policy of serving your children’s best interests. Whether your case involves negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we are committed to helping you achieve a viable and sustainable outcome for your family.

Reach us online or at (661) 990-9651 to discuss your case with a Valencia child custody and visitation attorney today.

"Their Dedication is Unmatched"
Their dedication is unmatched; the team goes above and beyond, often working late into the night to ensure every detail is addressed. I couldn't have asked for better representatives during this trying time.

- Charlie S.
"Approachable, Smart & Caring"
I talked to Attorney Jackman about my case. I found him very approachable, smart and caring. He wants results as much as you do. He is a bright man and a brilliant future in front of him.

- Former Client

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