Roseville Child Custody Lawyer

Roseville Child Custody Attorney

Dealing with child custody matters can be emotionally draining for all involved. Some of the difficulties you may experience during your child custody battle are emotional overload, increased stress, and financial problems. That’s why you need a Roseville child custody lawyer who can help you navigate the court system and come up with a fair custody agreement that works for everyone and prioritizes your child.

About Us

The team at The Law Offices of Dianne M. Fetzer has more than 70 years of cumulative experience. Ms. Fetzer has over 25 years of experience alone and is a certified specialist in family law. We can use our extensive knowledge and skills to guide you through your case so that you reach the most appropriate outcome for your family. Each case is unique, and we give each one the attention it needs for success.

What Is Child Custody?

Child custody refers to the legal and physical responsibility for a child’s welfare. Child custody can cover a range of decisions regarding a child’s daily life and upbringing, including education and childcare, religious involvement, and extracurricular activities.

Child custody consists of legal custody and physical custody, both of which can be joint or sole:

• Legal custody refers to decision-making responsibility on behalf of the child.
• Physical custody focuses on where the child primarily resides and how much time each parent spends with them.

When a parent is granted sole physical custody, they are the custodial parent, and the other parent may have visitation rights. If joint physical custody is granted, the child may spend equal periods of time with both parents throughout the year.

Under California Family Code section 3020, the court makes custody decisions based on the best interests of the child.

The Child Custody Agreement

The child custody agreement, also known as a parenting plan, is a document that you and the other parent create that addresses parenting responsibilities for your child. The agreement should cover:

• Who has physical and legal custody
• How you communicate about your child
• The visitation or parenting time schedule, including weekends, holidays, and school breaks
• A dispute resolution process

This document must be submitted and approved by the court. If you need a modification to a custody agreement, it must be due to a substantial change in circumstances and in the best interests of the child. A petition for modification must be submitted to the family court and approved by a judge. Our family law attorney can help you file the appropriate form.

Child Custody and Moving to Another State

If you are planning to move out of state, you must notify the court as soon as possible and inform your co-parent of your intention to move. Generally, you must receive the other parent’s consent or court approval to relocate. If the other parent doesn’t agree, a judge can hold a hearing to determine if the move and the new custody arrangement are in the best interests of the child.

Moving across state lines without the court’s permission or consent from the other parent can result in severe penalties, such as a complete loss of custody.

Under the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA), states are required to enforce and honor valid child custody orders issued by other states. This prevents parents from moving a child to another state to evade custody orders or obtain a new order in their favor.

Why Should I Hire a Child Custody Attorney?

The Judicial Court of California reports that over 310,000 Family Law cases were filed with the Superior Courts of California in fiscal year 2021–2022. This highlights the complexity and volume of family law cases, including child custody matters. Having an attorney is in your interests and the best interests of your child.

Child custody conflicts can be hard to resolve on your own, especially in cases involving contested custody or parental alienation. This is when you know it’s time to hire a child custody attorney.

Our attorney can fight for your parental rights objectively. Not only is our team knowledgeable about California’s child custody laws, but we are also familiar with the Placer County Superior Court system in Roseville. We can save you time by helping you complete and file paperwork promptly and work diligently to streamline your case.

FAQs

Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney for Child Custody in Roseville?

Yes, it’s worth hiring an attorney for child custody in Roseville to ensure a fair outcome for all involved, especially the child. An attorney can be neutral in helping you come up with a parenting plan that prioritizes the best interests of the child while ensuring it works for both parents’ schedules.

What Is the Biggest Mistake People Make in a Custody Battle?

There are several mistakes that people make in a custody battle, but one of the biggest mistakes is kidnapping the child. Taking a child in violation of a custody order or without permission from the other parent can result in a loss of custody rights, criminal charges, and serious legal penalties.

How Much Does a Child Custody Attorney Charge in California?

How much a child custody attorney charges in California varies depending on the complexity and length of your case. If you and your partner can work out custody details quickly and amicably, your attorney fees may be low. If you’re constantly going to mediation and court because you can’t come to an agreement, legal fees in general could be substantial.

How Do I Choose a Child Custody Attorney?

Choosing a child custody attorney is a crucial step when it comes to child custody disputes. There are a few things you want to look for when making your choice, including the attorney’s level of experience with child custody cases, their familiarity with local courts, their ability to communicate clearly, and their approach to your case.

Contact The Law Offices of Dianne M. Fetzer

If you’re in the middle of a child custody dispute, especially if it’s highly contested, you should reach out to our experienced and caring custody attorney, Dianne M. Fetzer. Call our firm now to schedule an appointment for a consultation.