Santa Ana Child Custody Lawyers

In all child custody decisions, California law places the highest priority on the health, safety, and best interests of the child. This “best interest” standard involves a careful evaluation of several factors, including the child’s preferences (depending on their age and maturity), the child’s physical and emotional well-being, any history of abuse by either parent, and each parent’s capacity to meet the child’s needs. California law promotes frequent and ongoing contact with both parents, unless such contact would be detrimental to the child’s welfare. Legal custody grants parents the right to make significant decisions about their child’s upbringing, encompassing education, healthcare, and religious instruction. Physical custody determines where the child resides. These forms of custody can be granted solely to one parent or shared between both.

Mediation is often a mandatory initial step in Santa Ana child custody disputes before proceeding to a courtroom hearing. It offers a private and less confrontational environment for parents to attempt to reach a mutual agreement with the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator. The mediator’s role is to facilitate communication and help parents explore potential solutions that prioritize their children’s needs, rather than making decisions themselves. Mediation can address all facets of custody, including legal and physical custody schedules, visitation arrangements, and communication protocols. Reaching a resolution through mediation can save considerable time, expense, and emotional strain compared to a contested court hearing. However, having legal representation during mediation is crucial to ensure your rights and your child’s best interests are fully protected. Your Santa Ana child custody lawyer can prepare you for the mediation process, provide guidance during discussions, and review any proposed settlement agreement.