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Child Custody Attorneys in Granite Bay, California

Protect Your Child’s Interests With The Help of a Family Law Attorney

Divorce is often a difficult and emotional experience, but it can be even more difficult when children are involved. The extent to which the court becomes involved in a family law case concerning child custody depends primarily on whether you and your spouse are able to cooperate and negotiate an agreement. However, even when the decision is amicable, important rights and obligations are involved. Whether your case is amicable or is passionately contested, you need a Roseville divorce lawyer who can skillfully protect the best interests of you and your children.

Herrig, Vogt & Hensley, LLP can provide the support, counsel, and relentless advocacy that you need for your child custody case. We understand the potential ramification of your case and the effect that it can have on your child’s well-being. We will work closely with you to build a legal strategy that is tailored to your unique situation. With one of our experienced family law lawyers on your side, you will have a vigorous advocate for your child's best interests.

Types of Child Custody in California

California has two categories of custody: physical and legal. It is important to understand the differences between these two types of custody.

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to where your child will primarily live and spend their time. There are different arrangements regarding physical custody, including:

Joint Custody

In a joint custody arrangement, the child will split his or her time between both parents. However, in joint custody arrangements, the child does not have to split time completely equally between the parents. Some common arrangements include:

The child lives with one parent for one week and the other parent the next week
The child lives with one parent during the week and the other parent on the weekend
The child alternates living with each parent on a monthly basis
The child lives with one parent during the school year and the other parent for summer and holidays

Sole Custody

In other situations, one parent has sole custody. The child lives with this parent and may have visitation with the other parent.

Legal Custody

Legal custody is who makes the major decisions related to your child, such as where he or she attends school, which medical services the child receives, and which religion the child will be brought up in. There are two types of legal custody arrangements:

Joint Custody – Both parents have equal say and must agree on all legal decisions.
Sole Custody – One parent has the authority to make all legal decisions related to the child.

What Do I Need to Know About Child Custody in California?

Since both physical custody and legal custody can be either joint or sole, it is important that you understand your rights. You also need a knowledgeable and experienced legal advocate who can skillfully argue your case.

Most parents are usually more concerned about physical custody because it directly impacts the amount of time they will have with their children. Parents may agree to joint custody to avoid the possibility of the court ruling against them. If the parents do not agree on a custody arrangement, the court makes all custody decisions based on what they believe is in "the best interests of the child." The court also begins with the assumption that joint custody would be better for the child unless outside factors indicate otherwise.

For Skilled Representation

Visitation Rights and Parenting Plans in California

If one parent has sole custody, a parenting plan must be created that details when the other parent will have time with the child. This parenting plan should include how time is divided during the following times:

Weekdays and weekends
Birthdays
Holidays
School vacations
Family vacations

The parents can negotiate a parenting plan. However, the court must approve it and always considers the best interests of the child first. The court retains oversight over the custody order. If a significant life change occurs after the custody order is entered, the parent can petition the court for a modification of child custody.

Get Proven and Experienced Child Custody Counsel

Our firm understands that when children are involved, cases must be handled with a special level of care. At Herrig, Vogt & Hensley, LLP, we have more than 100 years of combined experience that we put to use in each and every case. Our Roseville child custody attorneys are here to represent your rights throughout the custody process.