For parents, the ability to spend time with their children is a precious gift. This is why custody disputes can become so costly, so complicated and so acrimonious. Parents are often willing to fight hard to get the custody arrangement they prefer, even if court battles can be expensive and stressful for all parties involved.  Navigating this emotional challenge takes skill and experience.

Couples who are separating and who share a child can approach the issue of custody by working together, which often allows for a better final outcome for the children and parents. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP has extensive experience representing clients in creating a parenting plan outside of court that works best for the child and meets your family’s needs.

Questions?  Click here for frequently asked questions

If you cannot agree on the issue of custody, then a family court judge will decide. The award winning divorce and family law professionals at Brown & Charbonneau, LLP can put together a strong case and help you to make the most compelling argument to ensure that the custody arrangement reached is the best arrangement for your child.  Another issue that comes up frequently is, who pays the attorneys fees?

Click here to see our family law case results!

For personalized one-on-one legal representation on one of the most important issues in your life, Brown & Charbonneau, LLP is here for you. While we have the top-notch legal professionals and resources of a big law firm, we provide boutique representation and treat your case with the importance it deserves. Call today to learn more.  Or, check out our mediation services.

How An Orange County Divorce Lawyer Can Help with Your Custody Case

It is always preferred for parents to negotiate a custody arrangement outside of court. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP can advise you on the different options for sharing custody and on the criteria the court considers in deciding how custody should be shared. With a realistic picture of your rights regarding custody, you should be able to negotiate an agreement that makes sense for your family.

Click here to watch all our informative divorce and family law videos!

Our attorneys can help with the negotiation process and can work with collaborative divorce coaches or mediators who facilitate open communication.   We will do everything we can to help you create a custody agreement that maximizes the quality of time your child is in the custody of each parent and that offers your children the stability they deserve.

If you must go to court to determine custody, you need the best divorce attorneys by your side. Custody orders are always based on the best interest of the child. If your case goes to court, this is the standard that the judge will use to decide custody and a timeshare, or visitation schedule. California law specifies factors to consider in deciding what is in the best interest of your child, including:

• Each parent’s willingness to allow an ongoing relationship with the other parent.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, loving and supportive home for the child.
• The opinions of older children on where they want to live.
• The family history regarding who has provided primary care.

You may need to present witnesses who have seen you interact with your children over their lives, as well as expert witnesses with experience on children and family relations. Brown & Charbonneau, LLP will help you to put together a strong case.

Modifying a Custody Order

Once custody is decided, both parents will need to abide by the custody order. Parents cannot unilaterally change visitation schedules or custody arrangements without defying the judge and potentially facing serious legal consequences.

This means that if your circumstances change, you will need to petition the court to modify the custody order. If both parents agree and petition the court together, this process is simple. If the parents do not agree a change needs to be made, then the parent seeking the modification will need to show the judge that a material change in circumstances has occurred. This could include one parent moving out of the area or state, or one parent becoming more or less capable of caring for the child.

Brown & Charbonneau, LLP will help you to determine if a change has occurred that justifies a custody modification.   If so, we’ll help you to prove it.

Getting Help from Orange County Custody & Modifications Attorneys

Call today at 714-505-3000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Brown & Charbonneau, LLP has helped many clients with custody disputes and negotiations. Our award-winning attorneys offer evening and weekend appointments and Spanish language representatives for your convenience. Our goal is to provide you with the best legal services at a reasonable cost that help you achieve the custody arrangement you believe is right for your children.