Securing Full Custody of Your Child

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Securing Full Custody of Your Child in Los Angeles

Family Law Attorneys Los Angeles

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What is Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make significant decisions about your child’s upbringing, including their education, health care, and religious instruction. In most cases, courts prefer to award joint legal custody to both parents, ensuring that both have a say in these important matters, unless one parent is deemed unfit due to factors like substance abuse or domestic violence.

Physical custody, on the other hand, involves decisions about where the child will primarily reside. This type of custody can be designated as either sole or shared, depending on what the court determines is in the best interest of the child.

Sole Legal Custody:

When one parent is granted exclusive or (Sole) legal custody, they alone have the authority to make critical decisions about their child’s welfare without the input of the other parent. This arrangement is generally reserved for situations where cooperation between the parents is impossible or not in the child’s best interest.

How Legal and Physical Custody Interact Day-to-Day

While physical custody dictates where your child lives, legal custody covers day-to-day decisions during your time with your child. For instance, if a medical emergency arises while your child is with you, you're authorized to seek necessary treatment immediately, regardless of the other parent's consent.

Making Major Decisions with Joint Legal Custody

In cases of joint legal custody, significant decisions need to be agreed upon by both parents. These include choices about:

School enrollment or withdrawal.
Non-emergency medical treatments.
Mental health counseling
Relocation outside of Los Angeles County
Legal matters like issuing a passport or driver’s license
Risky activities and contractual agreements on behalf of the child

Resolving Disputes in Joint Legal Custody

Disagreements between parents are not unusual. When consensus can't be reached, the court may assign "tie-breaking authority" to one parent for specific decisions, such as choosing a school or a doctor, based on who has more custodial time or has historically been more reasonable in decision-making.

The "Best Interests of the Child" Standard in California

At Progresso Legal Group, we’ve dedicated over a quarter-century to supporting families through complex legal challenges in Los Angeles. Our focus spans a wide range of family law issues including child custody, which can often involve intense and sensitive disputes. Understanding and navigating the "Best Interests of the Child" standard is crucial, and it's our job to represent your interests effectively.

Under California law, joint custody is generally presumed to be in the best interests of the child. This includes both physical and legal custody. If this presumption is contested, the court examines several factors to determine what best serves the child's welfare, including their health, safety, the nature of parental contact, and any history of abuse or substance use.

Why Choose Progresso Legal Group?

Expertise in Complex Custody Matters:
Whether it's navigating move-away cases, structuring parental plans, or managing visitation rights, we handle it all with precision and empathy.

Comprehensive Legal Support:
We don’t just stop at family law; our experience extends to criminal and immigration cases as well.

Strategic Negotiation and Litigation:
We aim to resolve disputes amicably, but we’re fully prepared to litigate vigorously if necessary, leveraging our deep understanding of Los Angeles family courts to your advantage.
Children benefit most from quick and effective legal resolutions rather than prolonged disputes. That's why we focus on negotiating favorable settlements swiftly. If a trial becomes necessary, you can trust in our proven track record to represent your best interests robustly.

Family Law Representation Services in Los Angeles

At Progresso Legal Group, we understand the dynamics of families and we have deal with countless amount of family law cases in the city and county of Los Angeles in the last 25 years issues like separation, Domestic violence, false accusations, divorce, child custody, and support battles can be incredibly challenging, especially in complex situations such as welcoming a newborn, needing DNA verification, or facing difficulties in mediation and visitation rights.

Our experienced attorneys specialize in these sensitive areas and are committed to providing you with the legal support necessary to navigate these challenges effectively. We aim to secure the most favorable outcomes for both you and your children, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.

If you find yourself struggling with any family law matters, do not hesitate to reach out to us. At Progresso Legal Group, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Family Law Glossary for Custody and Visitation

Navigating family law in Los Angeles can be complex. Here's a simplified glossary to help you understand key terms related to custody, visitation, and family law.

Family Law Representation Services in Los Angeles

Navigating family law in Los Angeles can be complex. Here's a simplified glossary to help you understand key terms related to custody, visitation, and family law.

Child Custody Terms

Legal Custody:
The right to make significant decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious practices.

Physical Custody:
Relates to where the child primarily resides. This can be designated as sole or shared, depending on what serves the child’s best interest.

Joint Legal Custody:
Both parents share the responsibility and right to make decisions concerning their child’s health, education, and welfare.

Joint Physical Custody:
The child spends a significant amount of time with each parent.

Sole Legal Custody:
One parent has the exclusive right and responsibility to make decisions about the child’s welfare without the other parent's input.

Sole Physical Custody:
The child resides primarily with one parent, with possible visitation rights granted to the other parent.

Visitation Terms

Visitation:
The time the non-custodial parent spends with the child.

Supervised Visitation:
Visitation that occurs in the presence of a third party, usually ordered by the court in cases involving concerns like substance abuse or domestic violence.

Additional Family Law Terms

Dissolution (Divorce):
The legal termination of a marriage, which includes the division of assets and determination of custody, visitation, and support.

Legal Separation:
Similar to divorce, but the parties remain legally married while formally dividing assets and addressing custody and support.

Child Custody Recommending Counseling:
A neutral setting where parents work out custody and visitation agreements in the best interests of the child.

Restraining Order:
Legal protection from physical violence or threats, typically in the context of domestic situations.

Nullity (Annulment):
A legal declaration that a marriage is null and void, often due to conditions like fraud or incapacity at the time of marriage.

Summary Dissolution:
A streamlined divorce process for short marriages with no children, minimal assets, and mutual agreement to divorce.

Bifurcation:
Separating different aspects of a case, allowing some matters to be resolved while others are postponed.

Contact Progresso Legal Group Today

If you’re facing a child custody dispute or any family law issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our seasoned attorneys are ready to provide a free case evaluation and tailor a winning strategy for your unique situation. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and guide you towards a resolution that’s best for your family.

Your first consultation is free. Call us at (800) 651-1227 or visit our office at 1330 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015. At Progresso Legal Group, we’re not just your attorneys; we’re your partners in navigating this challenging journey. Let’s resolve your legal challenges together in the most effective way possible.