San Jose Child Custody Lawyer

Since the 1980s, California courts have ordered joint custody of children unless there are compelling reasons not to. However, you could have joint custody of your children and still only see them once a month. As a practical matter, one parent will have custody and the other will have visitation, which is also known as parenting time.

At the Dominion Law Group in San Jose, California, we believe that children should not suffer because you and your spouse are divorcing. Children need two parents. The sooner we end the conflict and reach a resolution, the better it will be, not just for you but for your children.

We represent clients regarding all aspects of child custody including:

• Child custody
• Parenting plans and visitation
• Child custody evaluations
• Modifications to custody and visitation
• Grandparent child custody
• Parental relocations and moveaways
• Paternity as it relates to child custody

Who gets custody of the children?

If the parties agree, then the court may approve any arrangement the two parties can develop. However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, then following an evaluation process the judge will order primary physical custody based on what is perceived to be in the child's best interest. The evaluation process can take up to a year and involve significant expense. For this reason, we prefer the collaborative law approach, which resolves child custody matters on the basis of the mutual interests of the parties.

What is a normal visitation schedule?

There is no such thing as a normal visitation or parenting plan. To determine what is right for you and your children, you must consider their ages, extracurricular activities, your work schedule, and the other party's schedule. Visitation is usually spelled out in great detail in the divorce settlement.

Issues in child custody affect not just the one parent, but also the other parent and the child. The attorneys at the Dominion Law Group pay special attention to all matters of child custody. Our goal is always to protect the rights and interests of the client, while working for the best interests of the child.

For a consultation with a San Jose child custody lawyer at the Dominion Law Group, call (408) 288-5592, or contact us online.

You can also help us learn more about your case by filling out our New Client Form.