Keeping in Mind What Is Most Important
The best interests of the children. That is the standard California courts use when determining child custody and visitation. The courts, child care experts and psychologists agree that in most cases, what is in the best interests of children is to have ample quality time with both parents during and after a divorce.
Unless there is an intervening reason — such as abuse, neglect or a parent with a drug or alcohol problem — the courts favor a roughly 50/50 split in child custody. Unlike in previous generations, primary physical custody is not automatically awarded to the mother.
At the San Jose law offices of Gemma V. Reyes, Attorney at Law, we help clients in the Bay Area and Southern California establish fair and workable custody and visitation agreements. To discuss your situation with an attorney who has more than 10 years of experience in the negotiation, mediation and litigation of child custody matters, contact us today.
The Value of a Reasonable Approach to Child Custody
One of the advantages of working with an experienced lawyer as opposed to allowing the court to decide child custody alone is the control it gives the parties over the process and the outcome. No judge can be expected to fully understand your particular situation and to make a decision that is flexible and custom-tailored to the needs of your family without a well planned presentation of the facts.
It's reasonable to expect that there will be personal conflicts in any divorce. The value your lawyer can bring to the table is the perspective of a third party who is on your side, but who can help you see past the disagreements to what is most important — the well being of your child.
If you and your spouse can reach a mutual agreement regarding a child custody and visitation plan, the court will almost certainly accept it. Whenever possible, we work to foster an atmosphere of clear communication and cooperation based on an understanding that decisions made about your children should not be based in anger or a desire to punish the other party.
Like matters of support, child custody is only as permanent as the circumstances. Children get older, parents need to move, or the situation changes in any number of ways, big and small. We routinely help clients seek and obtain modification of child custody agreements when the original agreement is no longer workable.
Contact Us
Call the offices of Gemma V. Reyes, Attorney at Law, in San Jose at 408-292-6289 or contact us by e-mail now to schedule an appointment to discuss your case with a California child custody lawyer.
