When Should I Seek Sole Custody of My Child?
California Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Restraining Order, Termination of Parental Rights

When Should I Seek Sole Custody of My Child?

Child custody can be one of the most challenging aspects for parents going through a divorce or separation. While many families successfully establish joint custody arrangements that work well, there are circumstances where seeking sole custody may be in the child’s best interest. Understanding the implications of sole custody and knowing when to pursue this option is crucial for any parent facing custody issues.

The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger can assist you through the process of petitioning the court for sole custody and advise you when this is a wise course of action.

What Is Sole Custody?

Sole custody refers to a legal arrangement where one parent holds full authority over decision-making regarding the child’s upbringing and is primarily responsible for the child’s physical care. There are two types of sole custody:

  1. Sole legal custody: one parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions about the child, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
  2. Sole physical custody: the child lives primarily with one parent, and the other parent may have visitation rights.

When to Seek Sole Custody

While every custody situation is unique, there are several circumstances where pursuing sole custody may be necessary to ensure the child’s well-being and stability:

  • Abuse or Neglect: If there is evidence that the other parent has abused or neglected the child, seeking sole custody may be essential. The safety and emotional well-being of the child should always be the top priority. Documentation of any incidents or patterns of behavior can strengthen your case.
  • Substance Abuse: A parent’s struggle with substance abuse can significantly impact their ability to care for a child. If the other parent is involved in drug or alcohol abuse that endangers the child, it may be appropriate to seek sole custody to protect the child from potentially harmful situations.
  • Mental Health Issues: If the other parent suffers from mental health issues that impair their judgment or ability to care for the child, you may need to pursue sole custody. It’s essential to show that these issues could affect the child’s safety or well-being.
  • Parental Alienation: If one parent is deliberately trying to undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent, it may create a toxic environment for the child. Sole custody might be necessary to protect the child’s emotional development and foster a healthier relationship.
  • Unstable Living Conditions: If the other parent’s living situation is unstable—such as frequent moves, unsafe conditions, or involvement with questionable individuals—this can be a valid reason to seek sole custody. Stability in a child’s living environment is crucial for their development and well-being.

How Judy L. Burger Can Help

Judy L. Burger, a Certified Family Law Specialist in California, understands the intricacies of custody disputes and can guide you through the process of seeking sole custody. Here’s how Judy can assist you:

  1. Legal Expertise: Judy possesses extensive knowledge of California family law, enabling her to provide tailored legal advice based on your unique circumstances. She can help you determine whether pursuing sole custody is the best option in your case.
  2. Preparing Your Case: Judy will work with you to gather evidence and documentation that supports your petition for sole custody. This may include gathering witness statements, medical records, and any police reports related to abuse or neglect.
  3. Navigating Court Procedures: The legal process for petitioning the court can be complicated. Judy will guide you step-by-step, ensuring that all required documentation is submitted correctly and on time, and representing you during court hearings.
  4. Mediation Services: In some cases, mediation may be a viable option to resolve custody disputes amicably. Judy has strong mediation skills and can facilitate discussions with your co-parent to reach a fair agreement outside of court.
  5. Advocating for Your Child’s Best Interests: Judy’s primary focus is on the welfare of your child. She will advocate in court to demonstrate how sole custody will provide the best environment for your child’s physical and emotional needs.

FAQs About Sole Custody

Can I get sole custody if my ex is agreeable to joint custody?

While agreeing to joint custody is a factor, the court will ultimately decide based on the child’s best interests. If you have concerns about your ex’s parenting abilities or behaviors, it is essential to present evidence to support your request for sole custody.

How does the court determine who gets custody?

The court considers various factors, including the child’s age, health, emotional ties between the child and both parents, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and stability in the child’s life.

Do I need an attorney to seek sole custody?

While it’s technically possible to represent yourself, having an experienced family law attorney like Judy L. Burger is highly recommended. They can navigate the legal complexities and maximize your chances for a favorable outcome.

What if I’m denied sole custody? Can I appeal?

Yes, if the court denies your request for sole custody, you may have the option to appeal the decision. Consult with your attorney for specific advice and guidance on how to proceed.

How can I prepare for a custody hearing?

Preparation is key. Gather documentation to support your case, including evidence of your parenting situation, any issues with the other parent, and witness statements. Judy can help you prepare and understand what to expect during the proceedings.

Preparing for Sole Custody in California

Seeking sole custody can be a daunting and emotional process. However, in situations where a child’s safety or well-being is at risk, it can be the necessary step to ensure a stable environment. If you believe that pursuing sole custody is in your child’s best interest, reach out to Judy L. Burger. With her skill and experience in family law, she will work with you to navigate the complexities of custody arrangements and advocate for the best possible outcome for you and your child. Remember, you are not alone—support is available to help you through this challenging journey.

How Can I Prepare for Sole Custody of My Child?
Child Custody

How Can I Prepare for Sole Custody of My Child?

Are you ready to take responsibility for sole custody of your child? California family courts generally grant joint custody to both parents in a divorce. Obtaining sole custody can be a difficult and involved process, and you need significant assistance from a knowledgeable legal professional. Certified CA Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger offers some tips to prepare for sole child custody.

What Is Sole Custody?

Sole custody, also known as full custody, is a legal arrangement in which one parent or guardian has the exclusive right and responsibility to make decisions about the upbringing of the child and has the primary physical custody of the child. This means that the child lives with one parent most of the time. The other parent may have visitation rights or parenting time, but they do not have the legal authority to make decisions about the child’s upbringing. In sole custody cases, one parent has the ultimate authority and responsibility for the child’s well-being.

Steps to Prepare for Sole Custody of Your Child in CA

Custody orders are granted by the family court. Until you have a court order, both parents have the same rights. This means that both of you can make decisions about your children. No parent has any more rights to have the children in their care than the other.  

Family Law Attorney Judy Burger can help you with the following steps to file for sole custody of your child in California.

Create a Parenting Plan

When spouses with children separate, they must create a parenting plan to present to the court. Many couples can work out an equitable plan that the court can simply approve. A parenting plan reflecting a sole custody arrangement will likely meet with disapproval by the other parent. 

When domestic violence has occurred, the law allows the court to grant sole custody in order to protect the children and abused spouse. There is specific paperwork for requesting sole custody in domestic violence cases.

Gather The Evidence to Support Sole Child Custody

A family court judge will need convincing evidence to grant one parent sole custody. This evidence must basically prove the other parent is unfit to care for the child. However, it must also prove that you are fit and able to care for the child. The court will consider:

  • Domestic violence history or charges
  • Police reports
  • Medical evidence
  • Witness statements
  • Correspondence
  • Employment history
  • Housing situation
  • Emotional and physical health of the parent
  • Age and health of the child
  • Emotional ties between the parents and the child
  • The child’s ties to the community, family, school, etc.

The primary consideration is always the child’s best interests.

File a Custody Petition with the Court

Your attorney will help you collect the necessary evidence and complete other required paperwork to file a sole custody petition with the court. Completing forms correctly and including all pertinent information is critical. Documentation you may need can include:

  • Parenting plan
  • Request for orders on child custody and visitation
  • Petition to establish a parental relationship
  • Petition for custody visitation
  • Petition for dissolution
  • Official statement about domestic violence (Form MC-030)

CA Custody Attorney Judy Burger can review your case, determine the specific documents you need, and help you complete them correctly.

Attend a Child Custody Court Hearing

After filing for custody, you must attend a child custody court hearing. During the hearing, the judge will review your parenting plan and custody petition and listen to arguments from both sides. The judge will then decide on the custody arrangement that is in the child’s best interest.

Attorney Judy Burger specializes in family law in California and can assist you in securing the best custody and support arrangements for your case. She can help you understand the custody hearing process, gather evidence, prepare for testimony, anticipate challenges during the hearing, develop a parenting plan, and advocate for your interests.

Get Help with Child Custody in California

If you have a child custody case in California, the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger will guide you through the process and fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the support you need. 

Your Top 12 Child Custody FAQs Answered
Child Custody

Your Top 12 Child Custody FAQs Answered

Child custody is one of family law’s most complicated and emotional issues. Parents understandably have questions and concerns about the child custody process. Certified Family Law Specialist Judy L. Burger answers the top 12 child custody questions clients ask us throughout California.

Most Common Child Custody FAQs

  1. What is child custody?

Child custody is the legal and physical responsibility for a child. Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, religion, and healthcare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who cares for the child.

  1. What is the difference between sole and joint custody? Sole custody means that one parent has exclusive legal and physical custody of the child. Joint custody means that both parents share legal and physical custody of the child.
  2. What factors do the courts consider when determining child custody? The courts consider several factors when determining child custody, including the child’s age and needs, the parents’ ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect.
  3. Can grandparents or other family members get custody of a child? In some cases, grandparents or other family members can get custody of a child. However, the court will consider the child’s best interests and the parents’ rights before awarding custody to a third party.
  4. Can a child choose which parent to live with? Sometimes, a child can express a preference for which parent to live with. The court will consider the child’s age and maturity level before taking their preference into account.
  5. Can child custody orders be modified? Yes, child custody orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a parent’s relocation or a change in the child’s needs.
  6. What is a parenting plan? A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that outlines each parent’s responsibilities and rights regarding the child. It includes details about custody, visitation, and decision-making.
  7. What is supervised visitation? Supervised visitation is when a parent is allowed to visit with their child but only under the supervision of a third party, such as a social worker or family member.
  8. Can a parent move out of state with their child after a custody order has been issued? If a parent wants to move out of state with their child after a custody order has been issued, they must obtain permission from the other parent or the court.
  9. Can I get custody of a child in another state?

It is possible, but it requires petitioning for custody in the state where the child lives. Attorney Judy Burger can help you understand the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and what is required.

  1. How can I prove the other parent is unfit?

This requires presenting evidence to the court that demonstrates the other parent clearly endangers your child’s safety and well-being. Photos, videos, doctor reports, witness testimony, and more may be used to present your case.

  1. What are my parental rights?

Married spouses have joint custody of their children under the law until a court-ordered custody order is in effect. Unmarried mothers have sole physical custody of their children until the father legally establishes paternity. Court-issued custody orders grant certain rights according to the circumstances.

What If I Have Other Questions?

What should I do if I need help with child custody issues? If you need help with child custody issues, you should consult with experienced Family Law Attorney Judy Burger. She can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the legal process.

Child custody can be a complex and emotional issue. Understanding the process and your rights can help you make informed decisions and protect your child’s best interests. Contact Certified Family Law Specialist Judy Burger with your questions and concerns.

 

What Is Joint Legal Custody?
California Divorce, Child Custody

What Is Joint Legal Custody?

Zach and Mary decide to divorce after 14 years of marriage. Of course, they are concerned about how their three children will handle the stress of divorce. Both parents want custody, but realize they need a plan. As they learn more about how custody is decided, they have questions. For example, they aren’t sure what joint legal custody entails.

Types of Child Custody

In a divorce proceeding, the term “child custody” refers to the care, control, and maintenance of a child or children. However, there are two different types of custody:  physical and legal. Each type of custody can be sole or joint. Sometimes a judge may even award one parent sole physical custody of a child, but joint legal custody. As always, the judge will decide what’s best for the child when finalizing child custody arrangements:

  • Sole Custody. A parent with sole physical custody decides where a child lives. If a parent is awarded sole legal custody, he or she will make all legal decisions related to a child’s health, education, and welfare. The non-custodial parent may have visitation rights as ordered by the court.
  • Joint Custody. Parents may share legal or physical custody under joint custody arrangements. Physical custody still relates to arrangements regarding the physical presence of the child. Legal custody still refers to the child’s health, education, and welfare. The difference, of course, is that each parent has at least some say in what happens with the child.

So, how does joint legal custody vary from sole legal custody and joint/sole physical custody?

Joint Legal Custody

Parents who are given joint legal custody generally are required to make decisions together. However, if a parent refuses to work with the other parent, they may both end up back in court. That’s not the ideal situation for anyone.

Sometimes Sharing is Impossible.

A judge may give one parent sole legal custody if:

  • parents are unable to work together
  • one person is considered an unfit parent
  • one of the parents is just not capable of making legal decisions
  • it appears that it’s not in the children’s best interests for both parents to share legal custody

Final Thoughts.

Zach and Mary found it difficult to agree on a parenting plan. Both wanted maximum time with their kids. Both wanted to make all decisions. The judge presiding over their case sent to them mediation, where they came up a parenting plan that worked for the children. They were able to see that joint custody could work as long as they continued to communicate and put their children first.

Acting in the best interest of the child is the driving principle behind a parent plan. Make sure custody issues are handled while negotiating your marital settlement agreement.

To discuss your child custody concerns with an experienced California attorney, please call us at 415-293-8314. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger assist clients in San Francisco, Marin County, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, San Jose, Gold River (Sacramento), Roseville, and surrounding communities.