Parents who aren’t married to one another need a legal custody agreement. It is the best interest of everyone if the rules are laid out and agreed to by both sides. If you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you can count on our offices to work hard for the best interest of your child. The goal is always to find a custody and visitation agreement that’s fair. Ideally, we’d do this outside of court but if necessary we will take your dispute to court in order to protect the best interests of your child.
Read on to learn more about what factors will affect custody agreements, what the best options are in various situations, and why it’s always worth it to discuss your case with a family law attorney before you sign any documents. Read on to learn more and then contact us at (909) 920-0908 for a free consultation.
The main factors that can affect a child custody agreement
First of all, let’s consider what the court is going to consider when they review or lay out any custody agreement. As they determine how best to assign custody (both legal and physical) and visitation rights, they’re going to consider what’s in the best interest of the child. They’ll start by looking at the health of the parents – including both mental and physical – as well as their moral fitness.
They’ll consider how long the child has been living in the environment they’re currently in and if that environment is stable. All things being equal, the courts would prefer not to uproot the child. However, they will if there is a reason to. The judge will look at how well either parent can provide for the child, not just financially but by offering a stable living environment.
For an older child, the court will take into consideration what the child prefers. Note that the child won’t automatically get what they want but it can be a factory. The court will look at whether or not both or either parent can meet the developmental needs of the child, and they will consider any prior domestic violence on the part of either or both parents.
You don’t have to be a parent to seek custody
What many people don’t realize is that California law doesn’t require you to be a biological parent to the child in order to seek custody. In fact, almost anyone that has a strong emotional bond with the child may be able to get custody, or visitation at a minimum. The key is that it can’t interfere with the rights of the parents. As a result, whether you’re a stepparent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative or close friend, you may have custody rights.
The next step for you is to reach out to Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908. We are ready to offer you a free consultation during which we can get to know you and your case. We’ll offer you the best options to move forward and help you find the best possible outcome for your needs.
