Divorce is hard on children. They are vulnerable to emotional trauma. For this and other reasons, the "best interests of the child" standard applies to legal arrangements that affect children. Children's continuing needs include a home, and financial and emotional support from both parents.
Courts prefer to maintain both parents' involvement in their children's lives, and it is in the child's best interest that parents can cooperate in providing for their needs. Both physical custody and legal custody arrangements require cooperation.
"Legal custody" refers to the authority to make decisions on behalf of the child for medical, educational, often religious and other matters. Courts prefer that both parents participate in these decisions.
"Physical custody" refers to where the child will live. Sole custody may be award to one parent, and visitation rights to the other. But "joint custody" is preferred by courts. The child lives some of the time with each parent. Here again, sharing custody in this way requires the ability to cooperate. And courts take into consideration each parent's ability to cooperate with the other, when determining custody.
Child Custody Evaluations
The court may appoint a custody evaluator to assess what arrangement will be in the child's best interest. The California Evidence Code sec. 730 provides for appointment of these evaluators, to perform a "730 evaluation." Our firm can inform you of the process, and help you prepare for it. Should a modification of an original court order be warranted, for example do to a move away, we can also assist you.
Attorney Dorie A. Rogers is a Certified Family Law Specialist, and has 30 years of California family law experience. She uses a goal-oriented approach to seek positive resolutions to sensitive family issues.
Accessible Location and Hours
Our offices are located across from the Orange County family law courthouse. We provide flexible client appointments, for your convenience. We can discuss your family law situation during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends. We appreciate that your time is valuable and we return all phone calls within 24 hours.
We also provide an in-depth overview of our fee and retainer agreements during your initial consultation. We strive to provide clear understanding and expectations of our services. Our office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Call Us Today to Start Working Toward a Better Tomorrow
For more information, or to schedule a consultation with a lawyer, please call us at 714-602-1492, 714-634-4140 or send us an e-mail.
