Roseville Child Custody Attorneys Handle Negotiations with Care and Compassion

Placer County firm works to give young people a supportive environment

Divorce can take a toll on children, but Patrick Law Corp in Roseville works diligently to negotiate sound custody and visitation agreements that are in their best interests. On behalf of parents throughout Sacramento Valley, we deliver knowledgeable counsel on legal custody, time-sharing and other concerns that affect clients as well as their sons and daughters. We know that every child and every case is unique, which is why we use our experience to find the best way to meet their physical, emotional, educational and social needs.

Skillful advocates seek fair terms relating to residence and legal authority

Regardless of whether parents are going through a divorce, have chosen to separate or were never married in the first place, establishing appropriate custody and visitation terms should be each side’s top priority. There are two basic elements to parenting orders: physical and legal custody. Physical custody is the term used to describe where a child will live. Sometimes, one parent will have sole physical custody within a time-sharing plan while the other has ample, defined visitation rights. Legal custody refers to the authorities that parents have to make important decisions involving their son or daughter, such as religious upbringing and schooling. This responsibility can often be shared even if the child resides most of the time in one parent’s home. It’s especially important to have an accomplished family lawyer on your side in these matters so you and your co-parent can pursue the best possible solution for everyone.  

Factors used by California judges in custody determinations

Sometimes, despite their best attempts, parents cannot reach consensus and a judge must set forth a suitable custody and time-sharing plan. The judge can evaluate any relevant information when considering what is in the young person’s best interests, but factors that frequently influence these orders include:

• The child’s age and health — It’s important to understand a child’s particular needs, which can change as they grow older. We assist parents with creating an appropriate structure and address any specific health concerns.

• Parental ability — Even a well-intentioned mother or father might not be able to handle necessary parenting tasks as well as the other due to work hours or other factors.
• School and community ties — If one parent remains in the family home, it might beneficial to have children reside in that location primarily to avoid the disruption associated with acclimating to a new school and neighborhood.
• The child’s preference — Youths who are 14 and older can tell the court what their custody preference is, though the judge can overrule that choice. Younger children can make their wishes known at the judge’s discretion.

Whether terms go to court or are resolved between the parties, our accomplished Northern California attorneys treat each custody matter with the care and compassion that children and their parents deserve.

Family lawyers assist with custody and visitation modification requests

In the years after a child custody order is entered, shifting circumstances might justify revisions to the parenting arrangements. Should both parents agree on changes to custody and visitation terms, those adjustments can be submitted to the court. However, if a dispute exists over a parent’s relocation or some other proposed modification, our firm can advise you as to whether a judge would consider such a change to be in your son or daughter’s best interests. Whether your contested modification was triggered by a job loss, medical crisis, new relationship or some unexpected situation we’ll make every legal effort to achieve a positive result. Sometimes, these matters are handled in conjunction with proposed changes to child support and spousal support terms prompted by a financial shift.  

Contact a California attorney to discuss your child custody issue in a free consultation

Patrick Law Corp assists Sacramento Valley parents with all types of child custody and visitation issues. You can schedule a free consultation by calling 916-226-6062 or contacting us online. Our office is in Roseville.