Fresno Child Custody Lawyers

File for Child Custody in Fresno

Child custody can be one of the most contentious issues between parents involved in a divorce or even following a divorce. It is also an issue between parents who have never been married and are in a domestic partnership. The parent with legal custody of a child will make decisions concerning the child's health, education, and welfare. Child custody is an issue that could greatly impact your personal relationship with your children and it will affect your family long after the divorce is finalized.

Types of Child Custody

Battles can arise over who obtains primary care of children and what kind of custody will ensue:

• Sole - When one parent is awarded full-time custody of the child
• Joint - When both parents make decisions for the child such as healthcare & schooling
• Split Custody - Both parents split physical custody

​Need assistance with Child Custody matters? Contact our Fresno child custody lawyers online or call (559) 900-1223!

How is Child Custody Determined in California?

Child custody is determined by the courts based on what is in the best interests of the child. Courts generally favor frequent and continuing contact with both parents where the rights and responsibilities are shared between them. However, many factors are taken into consideration by the courts when making a child custody determination. Where child abuse or domestic violence has been a factor, for example, the court will rule against an implicated parent. The court will also look to see if either parent has anger management issues, addiction to drugs or alcohol, or poor lifestyle choice that could affect the development of the child.

Other critical factors that influence child custody decisions include:

• The child’s wishes (if they are of an appropriate age)
• The parents’ wishes
• The adjustments that the child must make at home and at school
• Both the mental and physical health of each parent
• The time that each parent has to spend with the child
• How far the parents live from each other
• The style of parenting each parent has
• Whether they are “fit” to be parents
• How close the child is to each parent
• How close the child is to their siblings

Child custody cases can also occur in post-divorce situations when a parent wishes to relocate or where other factors have occurred which may give rise to demand a change of custody. To ensure that you fully understand all of the legal implications and repercussions of your situation in regard to this crucial issue, you should seek the competent legal guidance of a Fresno child custody lawyer who is familiar with this area of law and who knows the local court systems. This is the quality of service that I can provide.

Does the Mother Automatically Have Full Custody in California?

The mother automatically acquires full custody in California of the child if she is not married to the father. Therefore, there is no need for unmarried mothers to take legal action to battle for their child's custodial rights, even the decision to decide the father's role in their child's life.

What Factors Determine Whether a Parent is Unfit?

When a court is decideing custody, there are many factors that are considerd by a judge. While the general rule is that custody will be decided for what is in the best interests of the child, a parent may be ruled as unfit if they are determined to match the following criteria:

• They have not shown a high level of invlovement in the child's life
• The parent cannot meet the basic living needs of the child which can include housing, food, and emotional support
• The child has shown ill feelings towards the parent
• The parent has had a history of drug or alchol abuse
• There is evidence of past or current child abuse
• There is evidence of past or current domestic violence
• The parent has a mental illness that inhibits them from carrying out their role as parent

If need be, an evalutor may be assigned by the court to interview close friends, teachers, or collegues to determine if their stories align with the evidence shown.

What Can a Fresno Child Custody Lawyer Do for Me?

If you are fighting for custody, then you need the best child custody lawyers in Fresno, CA to fight on your side. I will put your child's needs and best interests first and will diligently make efforts to shield them from any custody conflict. I will do everything in my power to help you safeguard your relationship with your children, now and for the future. My firm can provide you with step by step guidance and keep you constantly informed about the developments of your case. I understand how important family is, and I can help you make informed decisions for the future. It can be difficult to make clear decisions when there is so much emotion involved in a family case- I can help you come to a sound resolution in times like these. My firm can also handle your international and interstate disputes involving child custody. Living in separate states or countries can make it especially difficult to resolve an issue, but I can step in to help you with this type of case.

If you are involved in a child custody dispute or matter in the Central Valley, I recommend that you contact my law firm, the Law Office of Zeppy Attashian, PC. , to arrange a discussion of your situation. As a child custody lawyers in Fresno, CA, I have helped countless clients throughout the area in settling this matter. My firm is highly sensitive to the needs of parents and I want to help you keep your loved ones close. I have the skill and resources necessary to help you obtain a favorable outcome, even in highly emotional and contentious cases. I can provide you with practical guidance about all of the legal aspects concerning your case. Additionally, my firm can help you negotiate an agreement or aggressively prepare and present your case in court.