Redwood City Child Custody Lawyer

Redwood City Child Custody Attorney

Child custody claims are one of the most emotionally taxing cases handled in a court of law. Even when everyone involved places the needs of the child first, you may disagree on how to cater to those needs in a holistic and fruitful way. Hiring a Redwood City child custody lawyer can help you with many things, including decision-making and moderation.

At TDC Family Law, we are equipped with both knowledge and compassion to handle your divorce and family law needs. We are prepared to take on your unique case and help you work toward your desired outcomes. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or with the support of a parent coordinator, we can serve as your advocate, guiding you every step of the way. You and your child deserve to feel safe and secure, and we make it our goal to help you reach an outcome that satisfies your needs and desires.

What Type of Custody Suits My Child’s and My Needs in California?

Approximately 12.9 million in the United States are custodial parents, while 22 million are custodial children. If you would like to establish custody of your child, the help of a Redwood City child custody lawyer can make an enormous difference not only in your case but also in your experience with the California family court system.

There are two general categories of child custody, as well as many different ways these categories can be applied to your life. Child custody can be sorted into legal and/or physical custody.

Legal custody refers to a parent’s decision-making power, such as the right to make major decisions directly related to raising the child. These kinds of decisions can include things like education, religious upbringing, healthcare, and more. Physical custody means the parent’s right to spend time with their child. For instance, a parent may have visitation rights, live with their child, or have the right to spend holidays or pre-scheduled time with them.

Nowadays, parents are usually encouraged to share custody of their child. While some situations make it possible for the parents to share joint custody, others may be deemed unfit for such an arrangement. Domestic abuse, drug use, past convictions, neglect, sexual abuse, and an unstable home life are all examples of things that could lead to the court granting sole custody to a specific parent.

The other parent may be granted supervised visitation rights or the ability to call or text with their child. However, if the court determines that a parent is exhibiting behaviors that may endanger the child in any way, it is their responsibility to do all that they can to protect this child.

What If I Am Worried About My Child’s Safety?

If you are in a domestic abuse situation, you can contact either the National Domestic Violence Hotline or the California Victims Resource Center (CVRC). The CVRC offers plenty of resources to help you and your child in your pursuit of safety, including a place to stay.

If you are worried your former partner may abduct your child before the proceedings are over, it is advised to inform your lawyer right away. Parental abductions are the leading form of kidnapping in California, and it is better to be as cautious as possible when it comes to the safety and well-being of your child.

Once you and your child are safe, your case will be carried out at a courthouse. One location is the San Mateo County Superior Court. This courthouse deals with family law and is located at 400 County Center in Redwood City.

FAQs About Redwood City Child Custody

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in California?

A: There is no set cost for a child custody lawyer in the state of California, as it tends to vary due to the unique variables each case may present. Some aspects of your case, however, can impact the overall price, such as the duration, level of complexity, and who you choose to hire. Court fees and experts’ fees may also add to the total cost.

Q: What Rights Do Fathers Have in Redwood City, CA, for Child Custody?

A: In Redwood City, CA, according to Family Code § 3040, fathers and mothers have equal rights under California law regarding child custody and visitation. While potential variables or risky lifestyle choices may factor into the court’s custody decision, custodial power, neither physical nor legal, can be assigned based on the gender of the parent. Nowadays, couples are generally encouraged to engage in a joint custody agreement, as it is perceived as beneficial not only for the parents but, even more importantly, for the child.

Q: Can I Represent Myself in a Child Custody Case in California?

A: While it is perfectly legal for a person to represent themselves in a child custody case, most individuals find that they benefit much more from hiring a California child custody lawyer. Not only will your lawyer be able to apply their skills and knowledge to your case, but they can also serve as an advocate for the welfare of you and your child. They can bring logic to the forefront of negotiations and peace to potentially highly emotional discussions with the other party.

Q: Can One Parent Withhold Child Visitation Rights From the Other Parent in California?

A: If the court-ordered custody agreement states that the non-custodial parent is to receive the agreed-upon visitation rights, it is illegal for the other parent to withhold the child from them. Sometimes, parents will experience limited visitation rights due to risky behaviors that are potentially dangerous for a child to be around. However, if the court has not otherwise specified that a parent is not permitted time with their child, the other party cannot keep the child from them.

Get More Information About Child Custody in Redwood City Today

Child custody cases can be exhausting, confusing, and overwhelming. They can also leave you feeling like you must face all of these new developments and court proceedings alone. Fortunately, with the help of a Redwood City child custody lawyer, you do not need to shoulder this burden by yourself.

At TDC Family Law, you’ll find lawyers who are ready to help you strategize, understand, and prepare for your child custody case. With compassion and skill, your lawyer can guide you every step of the way, cutting through the confusion and spearheading both the legal and administrative aspects of your case.

In doing so, they serve as your advocate and free you to focus on what matters most: the well-being of your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.