The Reasons for a Child Custody Attorney in California

There are different types of custody plans used in the state and parents will have to decide which is the best fit for both parties. Legal help is often very helpful in these situations with so many new terms and procedures causing confusion for either party. This is not mentioning the emotional toll that divorce takes on not only the two partners, but their children as well. Arguing over child custody in California often requires the legal assistance of an experienced lawyer.

There are two types of custody that must be reconciled between the two parties: physical custody and legal custody. There are also two types of each custody: sole and joint. Physical custody refers to who the child will live with permanently. Legal custody refers to making decisions about the child's life such as healthcare, education, religion, etc.

Joint custody means that the two parties share custody. Joint legal custody is common, as both parties are given the right to make decisions about the child's life and well-being. Joint physical custody is a bit more uncommon and involves the child living with both parents for an equal amount of time each week or each month.

In sole legal custody, only one parent retains the right to make decisions about the child's life and well-being. This is uncommon, although in cases in which one parent is deemed unfit to care for or make decisions for the child, sole legal custody may be granted to the other parent.

Sole physical custody is more common than joint physical custody. This is when the child lives permanently with only one parent, but the non-custodial parent is granted visitation rights. Of course, in cases in which the non-custodial parent is deemed harmful to the child or it is decided that it is in the child's best interest not to have contact with the non-custodial parent, visitation may be prohibited.

A child custody lawyer is the best resource for more information about physical and legal custody in California and which types (joint or sole) is best for your particular situation. Child support is another issue that should be discussed with an attorney. This is often a very serious matter, especially in cases in which the non-custodial parent does not make their payments. In cases such as these, legal measures such as wage garnishments and suspension of driver's license may be taken to force payment or as a penalty.

For up to date legal information it is advisable to consult with an experienced and professional Affordable Child Custody Lawyer on cases, what to expect, laying out a strategy and more. See Divorce Lawyer by visiting the offices of Diefer Law Group.