Woodland Hills Child Custody Attorney

Divorce Lawyers in Century City

One of the most difficult issues that arise during divorce proceedings are those involving children. Parents who decide to end their marriage and divorce will need to have a plan for deciding where their children will live and how they will be cared for by one or both parties. California courts require that parents present a custody agreement that is in the best interest of a child. At Taub & Taub, P.C., we understand that each family unit is unique and we work to help you present a parenting plan that best meets the needs of your children.

When developing parenting plans, our attorneys will listen to you, your priorities, and your concerns. Our goals are to always ensure that a sound decision is reached and that the future and well-being of your child is protected.

Legal Vs Physical Custody

In California, either one parent can have custody of children or both parents can share custody. Courts make the final decision about custody and visitation, but they will also usually approve a competent parenting plan that is agreed to by both parents. Strongly crafted parenting plans are essential to ensuring that children will be taken care of and swiftly resolving legal proceedings. There are two types of child custody orders: legal and physical.

• Legal Custody – Legal custody concerns how parents will divide responsibilities and how major decisions about a child's health, education, and welfare will be made. Legal custody can be joint, having both parents share the right and responsibility to make important decisions, or sole, having one parent take full responsibility for major decisions.
• Physical Custody – Physical custody concerns where children will live. Joint custody will mean that a child will live with both parents, and sole or primary custody means that a child will live with one parent a majority of the time while also visiting the other parent. Joint physical custody is not a stringent 50 / 50 split, but rather a more fluid arrangement that best suits the entire family.

When determining child custody, a court will consider factors that affect the best interest of the child. These include:

• Age of the child
• Health of the child
• Emotional ties between children and parents
• Abilities of parents to care for the child
• Any history of family violence or substance abuse
• The child's ties to school, home, and community

Developing Sound Parenting Plans

With more than 40 years of combined experience, Taub & Taub, P.C. can also assist you with additional issues relating to divorce and child custody, including child support and visitation rights. If you are interested in a modification of your child custody arrangement, we can also help you complete the necessary legal actions.