Whittier Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody can be one of the most complex and emotionally charged issues you must resolve in your divorce or separation. You deserve to have an experienced family law attorney to assist you through the process.

At the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra, we pride ourselves on putting clients first. A Whittier child custody lawyer from our team can offer you guidance and support through every stage of your custody case. Contact us today to learn how our attorneys can help you protect your rights and seek the best custody arrangement for you and your child.

How Do Family Courts Decide Custody?

If you and your spouse or partner legally separate or divorce and have children together, you will have custody issues to resolve. This is often achieved by negotiating a parenting plan together or through an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method, such as mediation. However, if you cannot agree, a family court judge may need to decide your case.

When determining custody, the judge will rule based on the best interest of your child and will consider:

  • The child’s age and health
  • The emotional bond between the child and each parent
  • The capacity of each parent to care for the child
  • The child’s ties to their home, school, and community
  • Instances of regular or ongoing substance abuse by either parent
  • Any history of domestic abuse, violence, or neglect

Our child custody attorneys in Whittier can advise you during ADR. We can also help you build the strongest case possible and represent you in court if necessary.

Key Aspects of a Custody Arrangement

There are several key decisions you and your spouse or a judge must make when deciding on child custody.

Determine Physical and Legal Custody

Physical custody refers to where a child lives and who oversees their daily needs. In contrast, legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about raising the child, including those regarding their:

  • Health care
  • Education
  • Religion
  • Extracurricular activities

Both types of custody can be sole or joint. In general, courts try to encourage joint physical custody so that children can have a relationship with both parents.

Develop a Parenting Plan

If you and your ex-partner share physical custody, you must devise a plan to do so amiably. Parenting plans can include detailed information about where your child will live, how your child will spend holidays and school breaks, and how you and your ex-partner will exchange custody when required.

Our Whittier legal team will help you create a custody visitation schedule for your children and resolve other details of your parenting plan. When required, we can also assist with modifications to existing child custody orders.

Resolve Financial Issues

Child custody cases may also involve child support. Our law firm can help you address financial considerations and protect your rights.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra?

Our custody dispute attorneys have over 17 years of legal experience, and our Whittier firm has a long history of satisfied clients.

We strive to treat you with respect and dignity so that you never feel like just a case number. We know the challenges a custody case can present and how to help you navigate them. Resolving your issues should be as easy on your family as possible.

Our law firm also offers a range of other family law services, including representation in cases involving divorce, questions of paternity, and gaining legal protection from domestic violence.

Contact Our Whittier Attorneys for Help With Your Child Custody Case

At the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra, our compassionate attorneys represent clients in the city and the surrounding area. Our office is bilingual, and we offer free consultations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our Whittier child custody lawyer can serve you.

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