If you are going through a divorce, it can often be a stressful and difficult time. This is especially true if there are children involved. When going through a divorce or separation with children involved, the court will issue a child custody agreement. This details how much time and when a child is with each parent. It also lays out visitation, holiday schedules, and other aspects, and is considered binding. When going through a divorce or separation, it is essential to know what factors can affect child custody agreements and thankfully, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn more about the factors that affect child custody agreements and how Torrence L. Howell can assist you through the process.
What factors affect custody agreements?
In California, the court will always issue orders in the best interest of the child. When assigning custody and visitation rights, the court will consider the following:
- Mental and physical health of the parents, as well as their moral fitness
- How long the child has lived in an environment that is stable and whether that environment can be continued
- The ability of each of the parents to provide a routine of stability for the child
- Child’s preferences, if the court determines that the child is able to make the decision
- The ability of each of the parents to meet the needs of the child developmentally
- Prior situations or convictions related to domestic violence involving one or both parents
Do I need an attorney to work through a child custody dispute?
While you are not required to have an attorney when going through a child custody dispute it is highly recommended. The order issued by the court will be binding and impact the time that you are able to spend with your child going forward so it is essential to have an experienced attorney fighting on your behalf for a fair agreement.
If you need help with your child custody dispute, contact Torrence Howell Law today!
If you are dealing with a custody dispute it is important to have a dedicated and experienced family law attorney on your side. Torrence L. Howell has over 29 years of experience and will fight to help you get a fair agreement when it comes to child custody. If you are ready to move forward, give us a call today at (909) 920-0908 to learn more or schedule an initial consultation!
To learn more about the reliable and quality family and business law services that we offer, visit us on the web at Torrence L. Howell.