Kevin B. Gibbs, APLC Kevin B. Gibbs, APLC
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Child Custody

Orange County Child Custody Lawyer

Guiding Clients Through The Child Custody Process in California

Children deserve to be as protected as possible when their parents choose to obtain a divorce.

In most child custody cases, California courts seek to award joint physical custody of children, which means that parents will share custody at some level.

Therefore, the issue for most parents is not who will get custody, but rather how will custody be shared?

Will you become an "every other weekend" parent?

Is there a reason your children should have less contact or supervised contact with your former spouse?

It's easy to get hung up on all the questions and potential custody problems — it is imperative that you call an Orange County child custody attorney to take steps to protect your loved ones.

If you are looking for a family law attorney who is dedicated to getting you the best results, contact us today!

Child Custody Types in California

There are two main types of custody in California: sole custody and joint/shared custody.

Sole custody orders state that only one parent has certain rights to their children. In contrast, the other parent may be restricted to visitation rights or prohibited from making major decisions for the child.

In joint/shared custody, physical and legal custody, parents divide time with the children.

Sole custody can be broken into three categories:

  • Exclusive custody
  • Sole physical custody
  • Sole legal custody

Joint/shared custody is categorized as the following:

  • Pure joint custody
  • Joint physical custody
  • Joint legal custody
  • Split custody

Contact us online now to speak with an experienced child custody lawyer in Orange County!

Who Gets Custody?

Anyone element leading up to a divorce may not determine child custody.

When judges make custody arrangements, they assess the family situation and apply a "best interest of the child" test to determine whether a custody order will benefit the child's safety, health, and future.

Therefore, by presenting as much information as possible and being open to cooperation with the other parent, you may be able to attain a favorable custody arrangement that works in the best interest of you and your family.

How is Child Custody Determined in California?

California law does not show preference to anyone parent in a custody case. Instead, the judge will always consider child custody decisions based on the child's best interests.

The top priority of the family court is the well-being of the children in question.

Some of the factors the court will take into consideration include:

  • The child's age, gender, and health
  • The child's relationship to and bond with each parent
  • How separation will affect the relationship between siblings
  • Protecting the stability of the child's environment
  • The wishes of a child of proper age to make a decision
  • The child's ability to maintain a relationship with both parents
  • Any history of abuse by either parent
  • Any history of violent crime by either parent
  • The habitual or continual use of drugs or abuse of alcohol by either parent

In your child custody case, the California family law judge will assess your child's current situation, lives, and behavioral patterns of you and your former partner to help determine what they believe is the best situation for your child.

Therefore, it is crucial that you retain an Orange County divorce lawyer from my team at Kevin B. Gibbs, APLC, to protect your rights and interests, as well as those of your children.

More Information About Child Custody:

Contact Our Child Custody Attorney in Orange County Today

As a certified family law specialist, I have the experience to help you craft a custody agreement that preserves your relationship with your children.

If relocation is necessary, I can help you understand the move's impact on your current child custody orders. I can also assist you with custody enforcement or future custody modifications should circumstances change.

In addition, I offer a free initial consultation, which I will schedule within 48 hours.

Learn more about how to get custody and other ways in which my firm is prepared to help you — contact Kevin B. Gibbs, APLC at your earliest convenience.

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  • "I used Mr. Gibbs for my divorce. He was great, very knowledgeable and professional! He was excellent at letting me know the options I had and pointing me in the best direction. He was upfront and honest about outcomes. I was very happy with his service."
    Joshua Lott
  • "I could not have asked for a better experience in the midst of a bad situation than working with Mr. Gibbs. He was honest and fair and patient and kind."
    Rebecca Sterling
  • "He is a great family law attorney and I would definitely recommend him to a friend or family member in need."
    Les D.
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