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Child Custody

Stockton Child Custody Lawyer: Protecting Your Parental Rights

Stockton Child Custody Lawyer: Protecting Your Parental Rights

Are you facing a child custody dispute in Stockton, California? At Maples Family Law, we understand the emotional and complex nature of these cases. Our experienced Stockton child custody attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your children.

We prioritize your goals and focus on results. Whether you’re seeking sole custody, joint custody, or need to modify an existing custody order, we’ll provide compassionate and strategic legal guidance every step of the way.

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                  Call us today at (209) 910-9865 for a consultation.

Understanding Child Custody in California

California courts determine child custody based on the “best interests of the child.” This means the judge will consider a variety of factors when making a decision, with the child’s well-being as the top priority. Some of the factors considered include:

  • The child’s health, safety, and welfare: The court will assess the living environment, stability, and overall well-being provided by each parent.
  • The history of abuse by one parent against the child or other parent: Any history of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect will be heavily weighed.
  • The nature and amount of contact with both parents: The court encourages healthy relationships with both parents, considering the quality of the parent-child bond and each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
  • The habitual or continual illegal use of controlled substances or alcohol by either parent: Substance abuse issues can significantly impact a parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable environment for a child.
  • The child’s wishes (if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to reason): While not the deciding factor, the court may consider the child’s preferences, especially in cases involving older children.

Types of Custody:

  • Legal Custody: This refers to the right to make important decisions about your child’s life, including their education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Legal custody can be joint, where both parents share decision-making authority, or sole, where one parent has the exclusive right to make these decisions.   
  • Physical Custody: This determines where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent. Physical custody can also be joint, where the child spends significant time with both parents, or sole, where the child primarily resides with one parent with visitation rights granted to the other.   

Custody Orders:

  • Sole Custody: One parent has both legal and physical custody of the child.
  • Joint Custody: Both parents share legal and/or physical custody, requiring cooperation and co-parenting.

At Maples Family Law, we provide comprehensive legal services related to child custody matters:

  • Developing Parenting Plans: We’ll work with you to create a detailed parenting plan that outlines custody arrangements, visitation schedules, holiday schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and other important aspects of co-parenting.
  • Custody Modifications: Life circumstances change. If you need to modify an existing custody order due to relocation, changes in work schedules, or other significant factors, we can help you navigate the legal process.
  • Relocation Cases: If you’re planning to relocate with your child or if the other parent is attempting to do so, we can provide legal guidance and representation to protect your rights and your child’s best interests.
  • Enforcement of Custody Orders: If the other parent is violating the terms of the custody order, we’ll take legal action to enforce it and ensure your child’s well-being.
  • Mediation and Collaborative Law: We believe in exploring alternative dispute resolution methods whenever possible. We can help you negotiate with the other parent through mediation or collaborative law to reach a mutually agreeable solution, minimizing conflict and reducing the emotional toll on your family.

Facing a child custody case can be overwhelming. Let our experienced Stockton child custody lawyers at Maples Family Law guide you through the process. We’re committed to protecting your parental rights and ensuring the best possible outcome for your children.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

(209) 910-9865

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