Child Custody

At the Trugman Law Group APC, our Beverly Hills, Southern California child custody attorney focuses on the betterment of families throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Riverside County. Our Beverly Hills Child Custody Attorneys firm understands that when families with children separate, the questions and confusion that come with that split can be overwhelming for young people – and their parents.

Our goal is to partner with our clients to ensure they are receiving the best child custody representation by removing the unknown factors that are causing anxiety and stress. Our Beverly Hills child custody lawyer know that both parents want what is best for their children, and sometimes they just do not know how to get there amicably. That is where our legal professionals come in. At Trugman Law Group APC, our Beverly Hills child custody lawyers will guide you through the child custody process with an intelligent strategy that is beneficial to the kids involved and deliver peace of mind to the parents we represent.

Child Custody and the Southern California Family Courts

The California Legislature lists the safety, health, and welfare of children as the court’s primary concern when determining legal or physical custody, or visitation rights for each parent. Our Beverly Hills, Southern California child custody attorney agrees wholly and works tirelessly to ensure that both parents, and their abilities to perform their custodial duties, are assessed fully before our Beverly Hills child custody law firm outlines our client’s argument.

The Legislature encourages both parents to share the rights and responsibilities of raising their children through frequent and continuing contact, except when it is not in the best interest of the child.

Residences that include any of the following criteria are considered detrimental to the child’s well-being and should be acknowledged by our Beverly Hills child custody lawyer to ensure the child’s safety remains intact.

These instances can include, but are not limited to, documented cases of:

Abuse or domestic violence in the marriage
Illegal drug or alcohol abuse
Physical or sexual child abuse
Neglect

If you believe you or your child are in danger at any time during child custody proceedings, please make our Beverly Hills Child Custody attorney aware of your fears, as we can help you pursue a domestic violence restraining order to ensure everyone’s safety during this time.

What is the Difference Between Legal Custody and Physical Custody?

All child custody arrangements in Southern California include both legal and physical custody, which are two different, but equally important, aspects of family maintenance after a divorce.

Legal Custody: A parent’s authority to participate in major decisions that affect the children’s educations, health, and welfare
Physical Custody: The children’s physical presence with a parent

What Will Be Determined During Child Custody Proceedings?

When couples separate or divorce, it is important to implement a plan that will allow both parents to remain viable parts of their children’s lives. Parentage factors that benefit the child’s best interests will be outlined by both parents and their legal representatives.

Child custody factors can include:

Where the children will live

How much time will be shared with the non-primary custodian
Which school they will attend
How and when the children attend extra-curricular activities
Shared weekend and vacation time

California laws require the court to consider the wishes of the children when determining custody. When children are mature enough to make an intelligent decision regarding where they would like to spend their time, the judge will give substantial weight to the child’s opinion when determining the custody agreement.

In addition, the courts will also consider which parent will do more to encourage a positive relationship between the children and the other parent. This can include supporting continued and frequent contact between the child and their parent and fostering goodwill towards the other parent by never interfering with their ability to have a positive relationship with the child.

Child Custody in California: Must Both Parents and Their Children Appear Before a Judge?

It is possible for both parents to agree on parenting arrangements they have developed on their own, as it pertains to both legal and physical custody of their children. When parents are unable to reach an agreement on their own, or through mediation, they will appear before a judge, who will determine custody for them.

The California Rules of Court states that a child’s participation in family law must be reviewed on a case by case basis. It also states that there is no statutory rule, mandate, or practice that requires children to participate in court or any rules that prohibit them from participating.

Your child custody case is unique, and it will be handled as so with the Trugman Law Group APC. Our Beverly Hills child custody attorney will provide you with exemplary representation, including the facts of child custody, and a real-time plan for providing your children with the best lives available.

Our Southern California family law practice areas include:

Contact Our Beverly Hills, Southern California Child Custody Attorney at the Trugman Law Group APC Today

If you have minor children and are currently going through a separation or divorce, child custody is an important aspect of how you proceed, and our Beverly Hills, Southern California child custody attorney at the Trugman Law Group APC will outline the reality of your child’s needs, and the court’s requirements, by calling 310-273-8834. Our Beverly Hills child custody lawyer has helped hundreds of families protect the best interests of their children, and we can do the same for you. Call us now to schedule an initial consultation.