Marin Visitation and Custody Lawyers
Securing Child Visitation & Parenting Time in California
While the law in the area of child custody, visitation and parenting rights can be complicated by endless exceptions and regulatory changes, things can be summed up as follows: the best interests of the child take precedence, and the law dictates that, unless proven otherwise, it is in the best interest of the child to have a relationship with both mother and father.
Whether you are seeking to establish a workable custody and visitation plan or modify an existing parenting time schedule, it is essential that you consult with an experienced family law attorney in California.
At Kaspar & Lugay, LLP, we can help you obtain court orders to support your family’s unique circumstances. We have the necessary skills and experience to create solutions that will work with the reality of your life and your family’s life.
You can call 415-789-5881 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation today.
Can Child Custody & Visitation Orders Be Modified?
California Family Code ?3011 ?defines ?the best interests of a child,? while 3020 covers the application of ?best interests? in issuing child custody orders. A parent, unless judged unfit, is entitled to frequent and continuing visitation. Perhaps you and your child’s other parent already agree on a workable and beneficial child custody and visitation arrangement. In many cases, every other weekend plus alternate years of holidays with the noncustodial parent is a typical visitation schedule.
However, there are many reasons for seeking a modification:
- A child may not be doing well in school in the area where the primary custodial parent lives, and the idea of moving the child to try a different school may seem natural.
- Either parent may be going through changes in circumstances such as remarriage. For many reasons, it may seem best to change the custody and visitation plan.
- A teenager may start to work part-time, participate in school activities or become more interested in a developing social life. The teenager may express a preference to alter custody and visitation arrangements to accommodate these activities.
- A parent who is temporarily deployed in the military may seek to allow their parents or other relatives assume care of children during scheduled visitation periods until he or she returns. Upon return, they may request to resume regular arrangements.
Need a Re-Entry Visitation Plan? We Can Help!
When a parent, however, has missed visitation over a long period of the child’s life, an abrupt resumption may be emotionally risky for the child. Our firm has helped parents work out re-entry plans that protect the emotional welfare of the children as well as parental rights.
A plan might include a variety of terms, including:
- Supervised visitation
- Required counseling
- Restrictions on transporting the child
- A schedule that, if all goes well, gradually increases the length of parental visits
Are you looking to better define your California child custody and visitation rights and options? The family law attorneys at Kaspar & Lugay, LLP, can help. Call 415-789-5881 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation today.
