Child Custody

Child Custody Lawyer In San Fernando Valley

Proudly Fighting For The Best Interests of Your Child With Years of Experience

California child custody law can be highly complex and confusing. An attorney in San Fernando, CA may play an important role in helping a parent understand his or her custody rights in regards to a divorce or legal separation.

At Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, our child custody lawyers understand that child custody is one of the most important points of any divorce or separation agreement. Although we have helped many families struggling with matters of child custody, we understand that each family and each situation is unique, and make sure to treat each case as such.

Schedule Your Free Child Custody Consultation Today

Should I Hire A Lawyer For Child Custody?

Yes, you should hire a lawyer for your child custody case. Our child custody lawyers provide an essential advocate, particularly if your conditions are complicated or include abuse in any form. Hiring a child custody attorney can effect the outcome of your case.

You want what's best for your child, but your spouse may be unwilling to cooperate, may be unfit to be involved in raising your child or children, or may have different views on how to resolve your custody dispute.

It is important that you have a lawyer on your side to fight for your rights and represent your interests.

Factors Judges Consider in Child Custody Cases

The judge bases child custody choices on the very best interests of the child's needs.

San Fernando judges highly favor keeping a child in a plan that the child recognizes, such as allowing a kid to stay in the very same school or neighborhood.

However, the judge can deny a request to move if he or she believes the parent making the demand is trying to deny or restrict the other parent's access to the child.

Understanding Child Custody Types in San Fernando Valley

In California's family court, parents who are going through a divorce or legal separation must decide on child custody.

Child custody often refers to the rights and responsibilities of a child's parents, but also refers to who will take care of the child.

Legal vs. Physical Custody: What's the Difference?

Legal Custody – Decides who makes important decisions on behalf of your child(ren).
Physical Custody – Decides who the children will live with.

California law dictates that either parent can have custody of the children, or the parents can have shared custody.

Ultimately, a judge will decide the specifics of custody and visitation rights according to the best interests of the child. In order for this order to go into effect, both parents must agree.

Most child custody cases are not cut and dry, however, and emotions, money, affairs, or other ulterior motives could hinder the best possible outcome for you or your child.

Having qualified San Fernando Valley child custody lawyers by your side can help make sure your best interests are maintained in an often brutal court system.

If you are looking for compassionate but efficient and practical legal counsel concerning your divorce or family law needs, Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law works to ensure your family is taken care of.

What Determines Who Gets Custody Of A Child?

In making decisions about child custody, the court will look to do what is in the best interests of the child.

As such, custody may be awarded to both parents jointly, or if one parent is deemed unfit in some way only one parent will be awarded custody.

Considerations for Child Custody Decisions

The physical and mental health of each parent
The income of each parent
Each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs
Each parent's ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment
In some cases, the child's preference

If you are working to reach an agreement regarding child custody out of court, you may be able to create a flexible, creative solution to custody and visitation that works with you, your spouse's and your children's unique needs.

Creating a Successful Parenting Plan

According to the Parenting Plans guidelines established by California's Supreme Court and family law court, research findings show that in an effort to maximize a child's adjustment to the process of separation or divorce, "parents should cooperatively plan to establish a parenting arrangement that will ensure the child's right to continuous and frequent contact with both parents."

No matter what type of child custody guidelines you and your spouse agreed on, the fact remains that there are crucial factors that go into the development of your child.

Elements of an Effective Parenting Plan

Age, gender, and stage of development of your children
Emotional, social, and educational needs of your children
Health, welfare, and safety of your children
Levels of communication, and cooperative behavior between parents
Parental ability and support of your children
Cultural and social factors

Can a Mother Keep the Child Away From the Father in California?

A mother can keep a child away from the father in California without his consent could be held against a mother in court without reasonable cause. The state of California's family law system is challenging, and trying to understand without the help of a California child custody lawyer can be aggravating.

Addressing Special Circumstances in Custody Cases

Every divorce or separation is different, just as each child or parent involved is unique from any other family situation.

When Supervised Visitation May Be Necessary

Child abuse or neglect from one spouse or parent
Serious drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
Criminal activity, or repeated jail time sentences
Serious mental or psychosocial disorders
Domestic violence from your spouse, or parent to child
Continuously intense parental disagreement, conflict, or tension

When choosing a parenting plan, parents should always consider their relationship with their child, but also the children's relationship with the other parent.

Always look out for the best interest of your child and seek an optimally healthy and stable environment for your children to develop in.

Legal Support for San Fernando Valley Families

Parents who may be struggling with an uncooperative spouse or violent partner should seek help from an attorney serving San Fernando valley and nearby locations.

Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law has been helping families with their legal needs for the past 30 years, and we work hard at reaching successful negotiations in tough conflicts.

Should a parent refuse to be in your child's life, or if you prevent the parent from being in the child's life, serious repercussions could take place.

Consult a San Fernando Valley Family Law Attorney Today

A parenting plan is not just an agreement or regulation for parents.

Parenting plans are implemented to create a sense of routine, predictability, and consistency during a time of extreme change for your children.

By having an agreed upon plan, children will learn what to expect during this time of transition, and create new patterns of day to day life.

Our family law attorneys at Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law understand that the last thing you want is dysfunction or more heartache, and establishing a stable parenting plan with a custody lawyer serving San Fernando Valley is the best way to ensure that you and your children can get back on your feet.

Child Custody Legal Assistance in San Fernando Valley

When you hire a child custody attorney at Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, you can rest assured that you will be working with a legal expert who genuinely cares about you and your family, and who has your family's best interests in mind. Your attorney will help to ensure that you are equipped with all of the legal guidance and emotional support that you need during this time.

Maximizing Your Time with Your Child

At Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, we understand the importance of maximizing the time you spend with your child. Our experienced child custody lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of custody arrangements to ensure the best interests of your child are met.

When working with our team, you can expect:

Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation
Compassionate support and guidance throughout the custody process
Advocacy for your parental rights and your child's well-being
Clear communication and updates on the progress of your case

Our goal is to help you create a parenting plan that fosters a healthy co-parenting relationship and prioritizes the needs of your child. Whether you are facing a custody dispute or need assistance modifying an existing arrangement, our San Fernando Valley family law attorneys are here to provide the legal support you need.

How a Child Custody Lawyer Can Support Your Case

Paperwork: Taking care of all of the paperwork involved with your case
Avoiding Mistakes: Ensuring that everything is completed correctly and helping you avoid costly mistakes
Emotional Support: Serving as an emotional support system for you and your family
Child Support: Helping you with other family matters including child support
Protection: Protecting the rights of you and your child(ren)
Representation: Representing you in the courtroom and fighting for a favorable settlement with your family's best interests in mind

Contact Our Child Custody Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Further Reading:

Request a case evaluation with our San Fernando child custody lawyers online or call (818) 839-2533.

Continue Reading Read Less

Standing By Your Side

Get Started With Your Consultation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Cutter & Lax, Attorneys at Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Family Law Blog
Stay updated with helpful news.

Go to Blog
FAQ
Information directly from our team.

Go to FAQ
Video Library
Resources to better serve you.

Go to Videos

Hear It From Our Clients

Every Case Creates An Impact

"Received excellent counsel representation during my military divorce."
Consummate professionals! Received excellent counsel representation during my military divorce. I highly recommend their services

- Devin B.
"I was especially impressed with his control and approach in the courtroom."
He very knowledgeable about the law and was able to give me his opinion through his experience with the law and the courtroom. He was patient in explaining the positives and negatives of the legal pursuits, along with the risks. I was especially impressed with his control and approach in the courtroom. He was direct, to the point, and would not back down. He won't let go. He is excellent at arguing the law and questioning witnesses.

- Former Client
"He was always responsive and really listened to my concerns and goals and worked towards achieving them."
Had a wonderful experience with this law firm, Matthew Lax in particular. He is very knowledgeable and fights for you without creating unnecessary work and hardship in the process. He was always responsive and really listened to my concerns and goals and worked towards achieving them. Got a great result for me!

- Ruth Z.
"Matthew Lax and his partner are very good attorneys and when going through something as unpleasant as a divorce, it's good to have them on your side!"
Cutter & Lax is a great law firm. I have a lot of family and friends that are satisfied clients. The Encino office is conveniently located and you are always greeted with a friendly smile. Matthew Lax and his partner are very good attorneys and when going through something as unpleasant as a divorce, it's good to have them on your side!

- Ely G.
"The lawyers at Cutter & Lax, specifically Matthew Lax, are very intelligent, decisive and thorough when it comes to caring for their clients."
Throughout my whole experience working with this firm, I always felt welcomed, comforted and supported. The lawyers at Cutter & Lax, specifically Matthew Lax, are very intelligent, decisive and thorough when it comes to caring for their clients. This is the only firm I would ever feel comfortable returning to when a situation presented itself. All around fantastic experience and outcome!

- Danielle A.
"He is very knowledgeable with military law and what my rights are as a active duty military member."
The life experience that I am going thru right now is extremely tough! Being an active duty military member and going thru a divorce is something I don't wish on anyone, but having these guys on your side, especially Nelson Cutter makes the process much less painful. He is very knowledgeable with military law and what my rights are as a active duty military member. Thank you!

- Charles N.
"Matthew Lax made the experience of going thru a very difficult divorce very smooth."
Matthew Lax made the experience of going thru a very difficult divorce very smooth and he was so knowledgeable and helpful and always available for any problems. He got me a very generous settlement that I didn't expect. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

- Sally L.

View All Reviews