Mendocino Child Custody Lawyer

Mendocino Child Custody Attorney

When it comes to child custody, it can be hard for parents to compromise. This is a normal but often difficult and painful part of divorce. It’s just as hard for parents who aren’t together. When issues surrounding child custody can’t be resolved, a Mendocino child custody lawyer can help families find common ground with each other and with the courts so that everyone can move forward.

A Mendocino Child Custody Lawyer You Can Count On

The Carroll Law Office provides family law services that are unmatched in quality by any other firm in the area. We believe that every family is unique with their own needs. Because of this, traditional solutions may not be the right solutions for every family. We think outside the box to meet the needs of our clients, however different they may be.

When Parents Can’t Agree on Custody

A custody dispute can take a stressful toll on a parent. Knowing that they must prove themselves to be a good parent to a complete stranger can be overwhelming. The realization that the custody of your child is in the hands of a Mendocino family court judge can be scary.

Any experienced Mendocino family attorney will tell you that being polite, respectful, honest, and considerate to the opposing side can get you far when proving you are a fit parent.

The court only wants what’s in the best interests of the child. Unless something affects the child’s well-being, the judge may not be concerned with the preferences of either parent. They want to know if one or both parents are capable of having custody of their child.

When determining custody, a judge will take into account the following elements:

• the age of the child
• the emotional needs and emotional ties the child has with each parent and other family members
• the child’s health and medical needs, if any, including mental health
• the physical and mental well-being of each parent in regard to their ability to care for the child
• the ability of each parent to financially provide for the child
• history of domestic violence or drug use by one or both parents
• the child’s preference, if the child is of a mature enough age to express their wishes
• whether the child has community ties
• the potential for safe and healthy co-parenting

The only time parents have to spend time with the judge is in court. The way parents behave carries a lot of weight in the court’s decision to award custody. Making a good impression is essential to getting parental custody rights.

A Mendocino child custody lawyer who knows how to properly navigate your upcoming legal case can give you the peace you need to get through your custody battle. They can help you file imperative forms by their deadline at one of two branches of the Mendocino County Superior Court. The Mendocino County Courthouse is located at 100 North State Street, Ukiah, CA, and the Ten Mile Branch is located at 700 South Franklin Street in Fort Bragg.

Types of Child Custody in California

California child custody laws recognize two types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. One parent can be awarded both, while the other parent is awarded visitation. If the judge deems it necessary, visits with the other parent may be supervised or nonexistent if it’s in the child’s best interest.

Legal custody is granted to a parent with the responsibility of making important decisions for the child. These decisions include those related to their religion, health, education, extracurricular activities, and overall safety.

Physical custody defines the physical residence of the child. This determines which parent the child will officially live with, regardless of visitation and the parenting plan.

Over the past couple of decades, there has been a rise in the number of custodial parents who are fathers. In 1994, 16% of custodial parents were fathers, and this number grew to 20% by 2018. The chances of fathers being awarded custody are better now than ever. Hiring a child custody lawyer can increase your odds of gaining custody of your child even more.

FAQs

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Mendocino

A child custody lawyer in Mendocino will either charge by the hour, for the entire case, referred to as a flat fee, or for specific services. More involved custody cases may require more time, effort, meetings, hearings, and court appearances. Therefore, these cases will inevitably cost more. Less complicated cases can cost less, depending on the firm and the experience level of the attorney. Ask your attorney about their rates.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle

The biggest mistake parents make in a custody battle is forgetting that it’s about the child, not them, and not getting back at their co-parent. Some parents get caught up in trying to win, and when they make it about this, everyone can lose. Judges don’t have a preference. They are looking at the situation and considering all the evidence through the filter of what is best for the child.

Which Parent Usually Wins Child Custody Cases in California?​

The most fit parent usually wins child custody cases in California. The outcome of custody cases is not based on gender, but on which parent can better provide the child with what they need. Sometimes it’s the mom, sometimes it’s the dad, and sometimes it’s both. In fact, joint legal custody and frequent visitation with both parents is usually the ideal scenario for child custody cases. However, when it’s not an option, what’s most ideal for the child is determined.

Is California a 50/50 Custody State?

California is not necessarily a 50/50 custody state. It happens in many cases, but more so when the parents agree to it up front. Once a judge gets involved, the final determination of custody could be anything, as long as it aligns with the best interests of the child. If 50/50 custody is ideal, the judge will identify it and rule accordingly.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer to Protect Your Parental Rights

If you have an upcoming custody case, are in the middle of a custody battle, or haven’t started yet, it’s never too early or too late to hire a child custody lawyer. Contact the Carroll Law Office to learn more about how a Mendocino child custody attorney from our firm can help you in your custody case.