Child Custody and Visitation
Newport Beach California Child Custody and Visitation Attorney
Donald P. Bebereia Custody Evaluations - Move Away Cases
When there are children involved, each party in a marriage dissolution believes that they know what is in the best interest of the child. This is understandable. In the state of California however, the 'best interest of the child' is determined by the courts.
The various factors and evaluations involved with this process can exacerbate the already polarized nature of divorce. For many parents, it can also be terrifying.
As a California child custody and visitation lawyer, I have handled sensitive issues of this nature extensively both as a litigator, and as a judicially appointed judge pro tem and special master. Because of this, I can take a lot of the confusion and fear out of this process for my clients.
Negotiated Solutions
Negotiated solutions are especially preferable when it comes to children. Nobody wants a protracted court battle. Aside from the expense, its effects on the children involved can be devastating. Normally, in light of these facts, most people prefer to go through the negotiation process.
The types of issues that need to be addressed in these discussions usually involve questions of whether sole custody or joint custody is the best option. If the custody is joint, which parent should hold primary physical custody? What about parental and grandparent visitation arrangements? Sometimes questions of paternity need to be settled. For further information on these topics and more, please visit our Family Law Info page.
When Litigation Is Necessary
Sometimes, efforts to negotiate are unsuccessful. This can result from simple acrimony or just a strong difference of opinion. Whatever the case may be, if litigation becomes necessary, I can and will litigate on your behalf.
Today, a common cause for litigation involving child custody and visitation is what has commonly come to be known as a 'move-away'. It is called that because they arise when the parent who holds primary physical custody moves a considerable distance away from the other. This can effectively nullify standing custody and visitation arrangements and schedules.
In 1996, the California State Supreme Court handed down the Burgess decision which directly addresses these kinds of issues. It is a case which I am very familiar with as a child custody and visitation lawyer. Sometimes a parent has perfectly valid reasons for a move like this. Sometimes they do not. In either case, new arrangements or modifications may be called for.
With 28 years of experience and dedication, I have the understanding of the issues needed to help you find a solution that works. Please contact me at my Laguna Hills office to discuss your case.
Special Hours Appointments - Credit Cards Accepted - Bilingual Services
I regularly serve clients throughout Orange County, including the communities of Santa Ana, Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Trabuco Canyon, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Irvine, and San Clemente.
