Roseville Child Custody Attorneys: Protecting Family Relationships

When a legal conflict affects your children, the stakes are enormous for everyone involved. While the relationship between parents may be over, the parent-child relationship lasts a lifetime. Unless factors such as abuse or neglect are involved, courts generally favor allowing both parents frequent and continuous contact with the child.

At Sherlock // Anderson, PC, in Roseville, two of our attorneys are certified family law specialists. Our custody lawyers have extensive experience helping our clients establish custody and fair parenting time or visitation schedules. We understand what judges and family law professionals in Sacramento County and Placer County expect, and we help you protect your rights as a parent.

“When people divorce, the family dynamic shifts. We will help your family move through the process as painlessly as possible so you can adjust to your new normal with a modified parenting plan.” – Attorney Sara Anderson

Comprehensive Guidance For All Custody-Related Conflicts

Whether your case involves legal and physical custody disputes or minor shifts to parenting time schedules with your children, our custody lawyers are ready to help move your case through the legal system as efficiently as possible. Our experience in custody and other children’s issues includes:

• Legal and physical custody disputes and litigation
• Parenting schedules, changes to rights and noncustodial parents’ rights to parenting time
• Child support obligations and enforcement
• Modifying support, custody and parenting time
• Grandparents’ visitation rights
• Juvenile dependency and cases involving Child Protective Services
• Guardianship and other probate matters
• Parental alienation and alienation of affection
• Resolution through mediation services
• Evidentiary litigation and trial

Our custody attorneys have extensive experience handling sensitive custody situations. We understand the emotional stakes and work to provide a softer landing for you and your child.

The Best Interests Of The Child

California has very specific laws when addressing custody and parenting issues. Everything must be decided according to the best interests of the child. Whether your parental relationship stems from a dissolving marriage or a dating relationship that no longer exists or is created by court order, the child must come first. If you are filing for divorce, have paternity litigation or a guardianship proceeding, your custody case may include input from county welfare specialists.

How Is Child Custody Determined In California?

California judges do not use a one-size-fits-all formula to resolve custody disputes. Instead, they examine several key factors to decide what arrangement provides the most stability for your child. These factors include:

• Health, safety and welfare: The health, safety and welfare of your child is the primary concern. The court prioritizes keeping children safe from any harm, including a history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
• Nature and amount of contact: Judges look at the current relationship the child has with each parent. They prefer arrangements that allow for frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
• Stability and continuity: The court considers the child’s ties to their current school, home and local community. They often favor the parent who has historically provided the most daily care.
• The child’s preference: If a child is old enough, usually age 14 or older, the judge may consider the child’s wishes alongside other factors.

At Sherlock // Anderson, PC, our attorneys prioritize positive working relationships and a “kill them with kindness” approach to help you reach a resolution that protects your family’s relationships.

What Happens If One Parent Does Not Follow Custody Protocol?

A custody order is a legal mandate, not a suggestion. If the other parent willfully violates the terms of your Roseville divorce decree or custody order, you have several legal avenues for enforcement.

These options include filing a Contempt of Court action, which can lead to fines or even jail time for the offending parent. In many cases, we can ask the court to order makeup visitation time or require the parent to pay your attorney fees. If the violations are frequent or severe, such as withholding the child or parental alienation, a judge may view this as a reason to modify the custody schedule entirely.

Can Child Custody Be Changed?

Child custody orders are not necessarily permanent. As your children grow or your life evolves, your current arrangement may need to be changed. To change a custody order, you must usually show that there has been a significant change in circumstances. This might include:

• A parent moving a long distance
• A major change in a parent’s work schedule
• New safety concerns

If you and the other parent agree on the custody change, a Sacramento divorce attorney can help you draft a new stipulation and order for the judge to sign. If you disagree, you must file a Request for Order (RFO). The mediation process can be helpful for resolving disputes about changing custody and parenting time. Our experienced custody lawyers can help you evaluate your modification needs and advocate on your behalf to resolve any disputes.

Contact A Roseville Custody Lawyer For A Free Consultation

Call our Roseville office at 916-757-6630 or use our online contact form to provide us with a brief explanation of your custody or child support matter. We will respond as quickly as possible to arrange a free 30-minute consultation.