Napa Child Custody Lawyer

Napa Child Custody Attorney

It can be challenging for any parent preparing for a child custody determination. With the assistance of a capable Napa child custody lawyer, you can be sure to reach a successful outcome and a fair custody order.

A Look at the Carroll Law Office Team

Our principal attorney, James Carroll, has been practicing law since 2013. At the Carroll Law Office, we are proud that our legal team has decades of practical experience and a diverse knowledge that allows us to give clients insightful advice and dedicated representation.

When to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

A recent study found that in the U.S., one in four children lives with only one parent. Whether you are a father or a mother concerned about obtaining a fair custody arrangement, a skilled Napa child custody attorney can guide you through every step of the process. These are some of the instances when you may want to hire a child custody lawyer:

• Divorce proceedings
• You and your child’s other parent are no longer together
• Post-divorce modifications
• Custody enforcement

Family law cases in Napa County, including child custody cases, are most likely to be processed at the county’s Superior Court venue, which is located at The Historic Courthouse at 825 Brown Street, CA 94559.

How Does a Judge Decide a Custody Arrangement?

When determining a reasonable child custody arrangement or evaluating a proposed custody plan, a family court judge must consider all factors and details of the case. In every case, the child’s best interests and well-being are the judge’s utmost priority. These are some of the main factors that judges take into consideration when determining child custody:

• Each parent’s living situation. A parent must have a suitable space for their children to live in and be able to provide certain accommodations, such as access to their schools, daycares, and medical providers.
• The child’s relationship with each parent. A judge can consider how much time each parent spends with their child, their bond, and each parent’s ability to meet their child’s needs. If the child is old enough, the judge can also hear any opinions they have regarding custody.
• The criminal record of either parent. The judge looks at whether either parent has a history of domestic violence, child abuse of any kind, or a felony record. If there is a notable criminal record, the judge may not be able to grant the parent a significant amount of custody or visitation rights.
• The medical condition of each parent. Custody can only be granted to parents who are medically, mentally, and physically capable of providing for their child and fulfilling their parental duties.

Trust the Carroll Law Office to Handle Your Case

Child custody laws can often be complicated and difficult to navigate. With the dedicated and professional team at the Carroll Law Office, you can feel confident with your legal counsel. Choose a capable and experienced family law attorney who provides insightful advice and the representation needed to reach your goals.

FAQs

What Are the Types of Child Custody in CA?

In California, there are various types of child custody arrangements. The most common form of child custody is some form of joint custody, wherein both parents have some parenting time with their child. Joint custody can be a strict 50/50 division, but often parenting time is divided in a way that works for the child’s schedule.

Examples of joint custody arrangements include alternating weeks, school-based scheduling, and other parenting plans. Your lawyer can help advocate for a fair custody plan.

How Is Child Custody Determined in California?

In California, child custody is ultimately decided by a family court judge. The main priority of the judge is to find a custody arrangement that is in the child’s best interests. To find the ideal custody arrangement, the judge must consider all factors of the case. This includes each parent’s mental and physical health, their annual income, living situation, relationship with their child, and whether either parent has a history of domestic violence, child abuse, or a felony record.

What Should I Not Do During Custody Proceedings?

When you’re going through child custody proceedings, there are some behaviors you should avoid doing so as not to harm your case and chance of receiving a favorable custody arrangement. For example, you shouldn’t keep your child from speaking to their other parent and avoid disparaging your co-parent in front of your child or on social media. You should also avoid engaging in substance abuse or other reckless behavior, lying in court, and fighting with your child’s other parent.

What Is the Difference Between Custody and Child Support?

Child custody is how parents divide time with their child between each other, while child support refers to the financial support one parent gives the other to help care for their child. Child support and custody are related family law matters. When one parent is granted more physical custody of the child, they typically have to pay child support to the other party. Child support and custody can impact one another. For example, not paying support can diminish custody rights.

Do I Need a Child Custody Lawyer in California?

You are not legally required to hire legal counsel for any family law matter, including child custody, although it’s strongly recommended. Custody is one of the most contested legal issues and can bring a great deal of stress to parents. With such an important matter, it helps to work with a professional who has extensive experience handling custody issues. Your lawyer can be there to help you navigate the filing process and court proceedings.

Get in Touch with the Carroll Law Office Team

At the Carroll Law Office, our skilled child custody attorneys are here to listen to you and help develop a strong approach in order for you to reach your goals. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation with a qualified and experienced custody lawyer.