Stockton Child Custody Lawyer

Custody rights can be one of the most difficult matters to negotiate following the dissolution of a marriage or relationship. Under California state law, all parents that cannot agree on matters of child custody must attend a session of mediation. The custody order does not necessarily have to be finalized in this meeting, but it can at least begin the process. If you or your loved one needs help establishing custody of a child, contact the family law firm of the Stockton family lawyer today.

The state of California awards custody of children according to the best interests of the child. There are three primary categories of child custody in the state of California:

Joint Custody
Sole Custody
Non-Parent Custody

Joint legal custody is the most ideal arrangement and the quickest form of custody to receive a judge’s approval. There are four types of joint custody: pure, joint legal, joint physical, and divided custody.

Sole custody has three subcategories: exclusive, sole physical, and sole legal custody. Exclusive sole custody is the most restrictive form of custody where one parent is responsible for all physical needs of the child. Exclusive custody can be awarded with sole legal custody, where the awarded parent would also have all legal control over the child as well.

Non-parental custody is granted to guardians in situations where the parents are unfit or unable to care properly for the child.

The purpose of a custody agreement is to maintain the best situation for the child. If you need legal assistance in establishing a child custody order, contact the law office of the Stockton family lawyer today.