Serving the pasadena community Certified By The California Board Of Legal Specialization In Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning

Pasadena Child Custody lawyer

Helping California Families Navigate the Child Custody Process

Parent with custodyNeed an attorney for a child custody case in Pasadena? Child custody is one of the most disputed issues in divorce. It is possible for two spouses to agree upon child custody and visitation rights in an uncontested case and to draft their own agreement on the issue. However, most child custody cases result in litigation.

In contested divorce cases, the court focuses on the child's best interest when determining which parent (or both) will have custody over the child. If you are looking to pursue a divorce that involves children, be sure to hire a Pasadena child custody attorney who has the experience, persuasion, and aggression to fight for an outcome that caters to your best interests and to those of your child or children.

Contact us online or call (626) 788-5225 now to schedule a consultation with our child custody lawyers in Pasadena!

Types of Child Custody in CA

There are four variations of custody in California:

  1. Sole physical custody
  2. Joint physical custody
  3. Sole legal custody
  4. Joint legal custody
  • Sole custody means that only one of the two parents has custody.
  • Joint custody means that both parents share custody of the child.
  • Physical custody refers to whom the child will reside with—in joint cases, the child could live with one parent during the weekdays and the other on weekends, with one parent during the school year and the other during the summer, and so on.
  • Legal custody refers to which parent or parents make life decisions for the child. In joint cases, both parents must come to an agreement for a decision to be made.

Understanding Joint Custody in California

In California, the most common custodial arrangement is joint. There are two types of custody: legal and physical. With joint legal custody both parents share the right and responsibility to make decisions about the child's welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Joint physical custody, on the other hand, means that the child spends significant time living with both parents. There are multiple different joint physical custodial schedules. A parent can have joint physical custody without having equal custodial time with the child.

It's important to understand the legal implications and potential benefits of joint custody in California. Our attorneys can provide guidance and representation to help you navigate the complexities of joint custody arrangements and ensure the best interests of your child are protected.

At What Age Can a Child Decide Custody in California?

In California, the court will also consider the child's wishes if they are 14 years old. However, the court is not required to follow the child's preference. Instead, the court will consider:

  • The child's choice
  • The child's age
  • The maturity of the child
  • The child's relationship with each parent

The court will not consider the child's wishes if it is not in their best interests. If you are going through a custody dispute, it is crucial to speak with our attorney. Our child custody attorney in Pasadena can help you to understand your rights and to advocate for your child's best interests.

Begin Discussing Your Case with Our Pasadena Child Custody Lawyer Now

Looking for a child custody lawyer in Pasadena, CA? The Schweitzer Law Partners has practiced family law in Pasadena for 15 years and our firm has over 55 years of combined experience. Speak with a member of our legal team today to learn how our full-service family law firm can help you achieve your goals in divorce.

We understand how difficult the California child custody process can be for families, that's why we offer our legal services with skill and compassion. Contact our firm online or call us at (626) 788-5225 to learn more!

CA Child Custody Related Reading

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the different types of child custody available in Pasadena, CA?

In Pasadena, CA, there are four main types of child custody: sole physical custody, joint physical custody, sole legal custody, and joint legal custody. Sole custody implies that only one parent has the custody rights, while joint custody means both parents share custody. Physical custody determines with whom the child will live, and legal custody involves decision-making authority regarding the child's upbringing, education, and healthcare. Parents can have different combinations of these custodies based on the court's decision, which always aims to serve the child's best interests.

How does a Pasadena child custody lawyer support my case?

A Pasadena child custody lawyer provides guidance and representation throughout the custody process. They help you understand your rights, draft custody agreements, and represent you in court if necessary. With their knowledge of California family law, they aim to achieve an outcome that protects your interests and those of your child. Their experience in negotiation and litigation can be pivotal in contested cases, ensuring that your voice is heard and your parental rights are upheld.

At what age can children express their custody preferences in California?

In California, children who are 14 years old or older can express their custody preferences to the court. However, the court is not bound to follow the child's wishes. It will consider the child's choice along with their age, maturity, and relationship with each parent. The overriding factor remains the child's best interests, and the court will not take the child's wishes into account if they conflict with this principle. An experienced child custody lawyer can help advocate for your child's preferences to be considered during the custody proceedings.

Why should I choose Schweitzer Law Partners for my child custody case in Pasadena?

Choosing Schweitzer Law Partners for your child custody case in Pasadena means you're opting for a firm with over 55 years of combined experience in family law. The firm has been serving the Pasadena community for 15 years, offering skilled and compassionate legal services. Their understanding of the complexities of California child custody law and their commitment to advocating for your family's best interests make them a strong ally in achieving your desired outcomes in divorce and custody matters.

our clients share their stories

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    The Schweitzer Law firm really help me and solve the issues I had. This is the law firm you can rely on. My attorney was very ...

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    Highly recommend. To begin, Donald was very helpful in explaining the child custody process. He was open and honest about the ...

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    Their team took care of my case, providing clear communication from the beginning.

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    I was very touched by Mr. Donald Sweitzer's emotional and physical support that they provided to me at court.

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