Custody disputes are never easy. In most cases, each parent thinks their child would be better off in their custody, and it often turns into a competition between parents. That is why attempting to settle custody matters before going to family law court may be best for all parties.
So, how can you avoid the judges, litigation, testimony and expensive court fees in your custody case?
Written Custody Agreement and Parenting Plan
If you can work with your child’s other parent, you may be able to come to a custody agreement and parenting plan without having to go to court. A custody agreement includes decisions on which parent has physical custody, which has partial custody and visitation, and who the child spends birthdays and holidays with. Parenting plans detail each parent’s schedule and responsibilities in raising the child.
Though this sounds simple, it can be a very difficult process. Tempers may be running high and animosity can develop between the wo parents involved. That is why you should work with an experienced family law attorney to help you reach a custody agreement. Here are some ways our skilled lawyers have helped our clients reach a custody arrangement:
Mediation
Mediation is one of the most common ways to resolve child custody issues in California. A neutral third-party mediator meets with the parents to help solve the custody dispute. The mediator’s job is to assist both parents in creating an agreement. The ultimate goals of mediation are to help you:
- Make a parenting plan that is in the best interest of your children
- Make a parenting plan that lets your children spend time with both parents
- Learn ways to deal with anger or resentment
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings are informal negotiations that can resolve custody disputes. ADR is suggested if both parents are willing to work with each other to resolve custody issues. A family law attorney may be able to help you negotiate a favorable resolution during ADR proceedings.
Collaborative Family Law
If your child custody case stems from divorce, collaborative divorce may be an option for you. Collaborative divorce implements lawyers but avoids the confrontational nature of family court. Instead, lawyers meet in a room and work to resolve all issues in a divorce, including custody. There is no neutral third party involved in making decisions or coming to a resolution in a collaborative divorce.
In addition to your family law attorney, you may seek the help of child custody specialists or other experts to arrange an agreement that is best for you and your children.
Contact an Experienced Child Custody Attorney Today
If you or a loved one is going through a child custody dispute, it’s important to contact a skilled family law attorney right away. At Wallin & Klarich, our family law attorneys have over 35 years of experience successfully helping our clients in child custody matters. Let us help you now.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, Los Angeles, West Covina, Torrance and San Diego, you can find an experienced Wallin & Klarich child custody attorney available to help you no matter where you are located.
Call us now at (888) 749-7428 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
I have been without my kids for a whole year. A 5 yr old girl & a 7 yr old boy. I can’t afford an attorney, I tried filling myself thru the free legal classes, I have started a GOFUNDME account to raise funds. I have written hundreds of emails to lawyers, advocates, assemblyman, law enforcement, basically anyone that can help. Posted tons of requests on Facebook with lots of prayers,a few donations but after all of that I am still no closer to bringing my babies home. There is no moral,legal,factual reason for me to be without my kids other than their dad wanting to be happy raising them all alone. He is a narcissistic psycho path who has rich family members & is white. I birth & raise my kids up untill he abducted them. Every day hour that I am without them is excruciating. GOD bless me to be a mother but this man decided on his own I no longer deserve to be in their life. I NEED help, real help & I don’t know what else to do.