Hermosa Beach Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney in Hermosa Beach, CA

If you are going through a divorce, legal separation, or are simply no longer in a relationship with the parent of your child, understanding your rights to custody is crucial. You need a Hermosa Beach child custody lawyer who understands that families come in all shapes and sizes, from the quieter neighborhoods of Hermosa Hills to the bustling areas downtown along Pier Avenue. At Rombro & Manley LLP, our team is here to guide you and protect your rights.

Rombro & Manley LLP: Protecting the Best Interests of Your Child

With decades of experience behind us, the team at Rombro & Manley LLP is here and ready to serve you. We are dedicated to helping clients protect their parental rights alongside the best interests of their children. As an experienced family lawyer, we understand that child custody cases are difficult and emotionally taxing, no matter the circumstances, and we are here to guide you and offer both the legal and emotional support you deserve.

Custody Options in Hermosa Beach

In 2022, 5.88 per 1,000 marriages in California ended in divorce. While child custody cases can arise from legal separations or situations in which the parents are simply no longer in a relationship with one another, most often they are included in an overall divorce case or other issue related to family law. For families in Hermosa Beach, there are two forms of custody that can be sought. These two forms of custody are:

• Physical custody. This form of custody refers to the parent with whom the child lives primarily. There are two kinds of physical custody that can be awarded: joint physical custody or sole physical custody.

In joint physical custody arrangements, the child will live with both of their parents, but not necessarily for equal amounts of time. For sole physical custody, the child will reside with one parent and may have child visitation with the other parent.

• Legal custody. This type of custody refers to who is authorized to make important decisions regarding their child’s healthcare, welfare, and education. In a joint legal custody arrangement, both parents share the right and duty to make these decisions for their child, whereas in a sole legal custody arrangement, only one parent is allowed to make these crucial decisions on their child’s behalf.

When parents are unable to reach an agreement regarding any form of custody relating to their child, they will need to look to a family court judge to make these decisions for them. At Rombro & Manley LLP, our lawyers are experienced with the system at the Torrance Courthouse at 825 Maple Avenue in Torrance, where your case may be heard.  From Hermosa Beach, your case could also be filed downtown at the Stanley Mosk courthouse.

Factors Considered in a California Custody Case

When it is up to a judge to make a ruling regarding the custody of minor children, the judge will consider a wide range of different factors. These factors can include the age of the child, the stability of the parents, whether either parent has a record of domestic violence, substance abuse, or criminal actions, the ability of each parent to care for the child, and, if age appropriate, the child’s wishes.

These factors make up what is referred to as “the best interests of the child.” The courts will also take into consideration the health, safety, and welfare of the children when determining when they will stay with either parent and will do what they can to ensure that the children have frequent contact with both parents, unless it poses a danger to the children.

In these situations, it is vital to have an attorney on your side who understands child custody laws in California and who can offer you the sound legal advice and representation you need to ensure your parental rights are protected.

FAQs About Hermosa Beach, CA Child Custody Laws

Will I Get Child Support if I am the Custodial Parent in California?

In many cases, as the custodial parent, you may be entitled to some form of child support from your co-parent. Nearly one-half, or 49.4%, of custodial parents have some kind of legal or informal child support agreement in place. Child support can be awarded to help cover the basic needs of the child, including food, clothing, and shelter.

What are Some Examples of Joint Physical Custody in California?

There are several examples of what joint physical custody could look like in California. One example might be an arrangement where your child spends weekends and holidays with one parent and weekdays with the other.  Another example is where your child spends equal time with both parents with the custody exchanges occurring more frequently for younger children.

Why do I Need a Child Custody Attorney?

Even in cases where custody is not disputed, having a child custody attorney on your side is crucial. Your attorney can ensure that your rights as a parent are protected and that the best interests of your child are both advocated for and secured. Your attorney can also be there to answer any questions you might have during the process and offer you sound legal advice that you can trust.

Is Mediation Mandatory in California Child Custody Cases?

Yes, in California, if a child custody case is contested, before that case progresses to litigation, the parents involved must first attend mediation to see if they can reach an agreement outside of the court. If they are still unable to reach a resolution during the mandatory mediation appointment, the issue can only then be taken to a court trial.

Hire a Hermosa Beach Child Custody Lawyer from Rombro & Manley LLP Today

For parents facing custody issues, you can rely on the experience and knowledge of the attorneys at Rombro & Manley LLP. We are here to work hard and ensure that the court system works in your favor. Do not leave both your child’s best interests and your parental rights up to chance. Instead, contact our offices to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help. You can hire a child custody lawyer today.