Child Custody
Child Custody — Keeping the Child's Best Interests in Mind
Time spent with your children following a divorce is precious. At the Law Offices of Randy W. Medina, APLC, in Pasadena, California, we help facilitate custody agreements between divorcing spouses with the best interests of their children in mind.
To schedule a consultation with attorney Randy W. Medina, contact us online or call us at (626) 432-1975, or toll free at (800) 387-5575.
Children's Best Interests in Child Custody Matters
California law presumes that frequent and continuing contact with both parents is in a child's best interest. Domestic violence, drug, alcohol and child abuse issues can, and often do work against this general rule. Those issues aside, both parents should have equal input in the raising of their children. That includes making decisions about the following:
- Medical treatments
- Education
- Travel
- Passport issuance
- Driver licenses
- Participation in extracurricular activities
At the Law Offices of Randy W. Medina, we focus on working with parents to develop a custody arrangement that benefits the child. We help parents come to grips with difficult issues and make effective and cost-conscious decisions.
Using Mediation to Resolve Your Child Custody Disputes
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution technique that is mandated before the court can make any decision regarding custody or visitation used to resolve an issue outside of court. In child custody mediation, a trained court counselor assists parents in coming to a mutual agreement with the best interests of their children at heart. The goal is self-determination with regard to the raising and well-being of the children.
California courts require mediation in child custody cases. Mediation is confidential, so whatever happens in mediation stays in mediation and the judge will never hear what took place in the session.
Child Custody Litigation
If mediation fails to provide resolution in child custody and parenting issues, the court will make the ultimate decision. The court will be required to determine what custodial arrangement and parenting plan is in the child's best interest. The court relies on the expert opinion of a child custody evaluators and may appoint an attorney to represent the children. These experts can help parents decide on tough issues, and although they generally are of benefit, their involvement may bey are also financially costly.
At the Law Offices of Randy W. Medina, we recognize that litigation is sometimes unavoidable. Litigation can lead to a better result for you and your child. We will zealously represent you throughout the process and work towards presenting your case fully and effectively, aiming toward a favorable rule for you and your child.
Contact Us
To schedule a consultation with lawyer Randy W. Medina, contact us online or call our Pasadena, California law firm at (626) 432-1975, or toll free at (800) 387-5575.
