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Huntington Beach Child Custody Attorney Representing Your Child’s Best Interests

Your children mean the world to you. Whether you are involved in a divorce, legal separation, or paternity action, your child’s future can often depend on the outcome of these very important cases. In fact, your own future is often intertwined with the outcome of a child custody case. Having an experienced child custody attorney on your side can make all the difference. In Huntington Beach and surrounding areas, look no further than Furubotten Law, APC.

The Legal Process Of Establishing Custody

California courts are required to determine what child custody arrangements are in the best interests of the children. Child custody cases are not decided based on what a parent wants or needs. However, the courts do encourage the parents to agree on a parenting plan. If the parents do agree on a parenting plan, the child custody agreement must also be approved and signed by a judge. If the parents cannot agree on a child custody parenting plan, the judge can make an immediate decision but will usually refer the parents to a mediator. The parents can hire a private mediator, but many choose to go through Family Court Services, which will arrange mediation of the dispute between the parties.

After mediation, the parties will either agree and go back to court for a child custody and visitation order from the judge, or they will ask the judge to make a decision. The judge can ask for a recommendation from the mediator and can also appoint a court evaluator to recommend a parenting plan for custody and visitation. The judge will consider admissible evidence from the parties and other witnesses in making a child custody decision.

Child Custody Modifications

Sometimes, things change once a child custody plan has been reached or ordered. One parent may remarry, lose a job or get a new one, or have to move hundreds of miles away. Sometimes, the other parent doesn’t “play fair” with visitation or does things that cause concern about the children’s well-being. Child custody law allows you to change an existing child custody arrangement (with good reason), but it requires a court order to change it. Once a judge has issued a custody and visitation order or approved a parenting plan, any changes to that plan must have the agreement of both parents, usually in writing. If the parents can’t agree on a change or modification to the plan, one of the parents must file a motion before the court to obtain the changes that they would like.

How A Lawyer Can Help You

Child custody cases are extremely complex and can be very stressful for the parties involved and their children. While it is tempting to avoid the costs of an attorney by representing yourself, most parents obtain a more favorable child custody result through attorney assistance. Denise Furubotten and her team are committed to helping clients at all stages of child custody cases. Denise offers full representation for child custody matters as well as attorney-assisted services for those who can only afford limited attorney involvement. She can consult with you, discuss the difficulties, challenges, and strengths of your case, and even prepare paperwork.

The firm has solutions for almost every budget. If you can’t afford full attorney representation, ask about Attorney Assisted Services to find out about obtaining limited services for:

  • Initial child custody and visitation agreements
  • Orders to show cause
  • Modifications for custody and visitation
  • Move-aways

Contact Furubotten Law today for a free initial consultation about your child custody case. Just call 714-400-2688 or reach out online.