In Los Angeles County, custody and visitation issues may also be raised through an action initiated by the Child Support Services Department.

Many parents make their own parenting agreement for custody and visitation. The agreement can be drafted by a knowledgeable family law attorney located in Los Angeles. When both parents agree, and once the agreement is signed, the agreement can be filed with the Court.

Parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan will be required to attend a mandatory parent education program Parents and Children Together (P.A.C.T.) and mediation. The P.A.C.T. program is required for parents with a dispute regarding custody and visitation and is available to all parents who want to learn how to minimize the impacts of divorce, separation, and parental conflict on their children.

Mediation is provided at no-cost through the Family Court Services Department in Los Angeles County. Mediation gives parents the opportunity to discuss with a neutral mental health professional the best plan for their children. If the parents reach an agreement, the mediator drafts the custody and visitation plan. Mediation is most effective when the parents have completed the P.A.C.T. program prior to their mediation appointment. Through the program, parents learn the importance of focusing on their children’s best interests in a workable custody plan. Family Court Services also offers Child Custody Evaluation services for families who are unable to resolve their custody and visitation disputes.

Other services that Los Angeles County provides are S.A.F.E. for Kids (Safe Access and Friendly Exchanges for Kids) provides no cost supervised visitation and neutral exchanges for children who may be at risk of emotional or physical harm following their parents’ separation or divorce.

It is important to seek a knowledgeable family law attorney to assist you with the court programs available to help you reach an agreement. Wallin & Klarich has more than 30 years of experience in family law. Our attorneys know from long experience what works in a custody case, and are prepared to fight to get you the best possible outcome. With 16 attorneys in 33 offices throughout Southern California, we can be there when you need us – wherever you are. If you’re thinking of hiring an attorney for a custody dispute, call us today at 1-888-749-7428 for a consultation, or fill out the online case evaluation form to the right.