How to Win Custody Cases in Orange County
Searching for a Fathers' Rights Attorney in Orange County?
You've decided you're prepared to exercise your rights and fight for the custody of your child.
Great. But do you know what to do next?
Are you prepared to navigate the custody process?
Even spouses who agree on other factors typically butt heads when it comes to child custody.
The courts will ultimately make a decision based on what they believe is in the best interests of the child or children.
It's important to meet with a professional fathers' rights attorney in Orange County, CA to go over your case and discuss how to proceed.
Orange County fathers' rights attorney explains custody agreements
Custody cases have come a long way over the past few decades.
The courts no longer discriminate based on gender: both parents have equal rights and obligations in the eyes of the law.
A judge's job is to decide what's in the best interests of the child. In most cases, this involves a joint custody agreement since spending equal amounts of time with both parents is generally in the child's best interests.
If you're facing a custody battle, you should strongly consider contacting an Orange County fathers' rights attorney to understand the custody process.
There are a few different types of custody, each with their own unique stipulations:
Joint custody
With joint custody, both parents share equal time with the child.
The schedule could depend upon what the courts decide or what the parents work out through an agreement on their own terms.Some parents opt for week-on, week-off while others might prefer monthly agreements.
Sole custody
In this scenario, one parent has full custody of the child full time. This does not necessarily mean the other parent can't exercise their visitation rights.
The courts do not typically favor sole custody unless one parent has proven themselves to be unfit to care for the child.
Legal custody
A parent with legal custody is responsible for making important decisions regarding the child's medical care, education, and even religion.
Parents may be granted either joint or sole legal custody. In joint legal custody, parents must collaborate to make legal decisions for the child.
Physical custody
Physical custody refers to where the child lives. A parent with physical custody may or may not also have legal custody.
Once again, parents may have either joint or sole physical custody.
Fathers' rights lawyers in Orange County, CA offer tips for winning custody cases
You're serious about meeting your custody goals.
Now you need to get proactive.
Fathers' rights lawyers in Orange County, CA offer up some tips for winning your case and avoiding common pitfalls:
1. Try your best to cooperate.
It's important to show a wiliness to cooperate with your spouse – even if you don't agree with them.
The courts want the child to have a good relationship with both parents. In order for joint custody to work, both parents must be willing to cooperate and communicate with each other in a relatively civil manner.
2. Don't get emotional – just state the facts.
Your judge won't care about any annoying text messages your spouse sent or how they behaved last time you were together (unless abuse is involved).
Instead of putting down your spouse, demonstrate why you are a great fit to raise your child.
3. Request a home visit.
In many cases, you can request a visit from a court representative or child service worker. Show them why your home is a great place for your kid.
Make sure everything is clean, orderly, and your child has their own room.
4. Stay involved.
No matter what your current custody situation is, you should make a valid effort to spend a considerable amount of time with your child.
Pick them up on time, get involved in school activities, and call them regularly if they don't currently live with you. Don't reschedule. Just show up.
5. Educate yourself.
Read up on your local custody laws and understand how they apply to your personal case.
Meet with an Orange County fathers' rights attorney to go over all the details. They can also help you file all the proper paperwork and fill out documents.
6. Do what the courts ask of you.
You want to demonstrate what a good parent you can be.
If the courts ask you to take parenting classes or seek counseling, do it immediately without asking many questions or arguing.
7. Keep the kids out of it.
Don't speak badly about your spouse in front of your child and make sure to avoid involving your child in the court case.
If your spouse does any of this, do not stoop to their level. It isn't worth it and this type of behavior is abusive.
Fathers' rights lawyers in Orange County, CA on what can hurt your case
Your goal is to show the courts why you are more than capable of raising your child. As mentioned above, the courts typically favor joint custody.
However, some factors can hurt your case:
- Emotionally or physically abusive behavior; abuse allegations.
- Employment that could interfere with your ability to care for a child.
- Drug, alcohol, or substance abuse.
- Unwillingness to cooperate with your spouse or the courts.
- Lack of a safe home or environment to raise a child.
If you're facing abuse allegations or an abusive spouse, meet with a qualified professional fathers' rights attorney in Orange County, CA to discuss your rights.
Is there a fathers' rights attorney in Orange County near me?
Is there a fathers' rights attorney in Orange County near me?
Even if you seem to agree with your spouse on most aspects, it's important to understand and be fully aware of your paternal rights.
By now you may be asking, "is there a fathers' rights attorney in Orange County near me?"
At Yanez & Associates, we offer free consultations and we're available 24/7 to take your call at 714-971-8000.
