San Francisco Child Custody & Support Attorneys
Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests in the Counties of San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin, & Santa Clara
When parents part through legal separations or divorce or were never married in the first place, child custody and support become critical issues. How these issues are resolved will impact you and your children for years to come. Getting these issues resolved favorably at the outset can help you avoid years of tension, upset, and difficulty as a co-parent. Because the stakes are high and this is a matter in which disputes can easily arise, it is vital that you understand how California family law and the courts that must follow it can affect your case. It is critical that you speak to a San Francisco child custody lawyer, a child support lawyer or an attorney experienced with both types of cases right away.
Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP is a family law firm backed by more than 60 years of collective professional experience shared among its capable attorneys. We provide the added advantage of having a Certified Family Law Specialist on board with founding attorney Lorie Nachlis. This means you will have the benefit of expert knowledge and experience available in the handling of even the most contentious and complex custody matters, including those involving international family law. Our firm is dedicated to helping you achieve favorable results while protecting your child(ren)’s best interests.
To speak with our experienced San Francisco child custody lawyers, give us a call at (415) 855-9344 or contact us online today.
Child Custody
Child Custody Cases Our Attorneys Handle
Our firm excels at handling difficult child custody and visitation matters using our deep understanding of the law and long experience in negotiating, mediating, or litigating particularly adversarial cases in court. For any parent, however, it is important to understand that courts must operate on the principle of what is in the best interests of the child, as opposed to any parent’s specific desires. While parents have legal rights in terms of their children, these rights do not negate their co-parent’s rights.
What are the different Types of Child Custody?
There are two types of child custody:
- Legal custody that gives a parent the authority to make life decisions for a child, such as those involving schooling, health, religion, and extra-curricular activities; and
- Physical custody that determines with whom the child will reside.
These factors can be granted on a shared or sole basis, as in shared legal and physical custody giving both parents these rights and responsibilities with a detailed parenting plan, or other variations and combinations of custody arrangements. When parents share time with children, parenting plans outline arranged schedules. Child custody orders are legally binding and can be enforced through court action. You can also seek to modify orders if a substantial change in circumstances for a parent or child can be proven to the court.
Child Support
At Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP, our lawyers understand how the variables in calculations can affect support orders. Whether you need assistance seeking, contesting, enforcing, or modifying a support order, we can help. Understanding Child Support and the law
Creating a Parenting Plan for Your Child's Well-Being
At Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP, we understand that child custody cases can be emotionally challenging and complex. Our experienced child custody lawyers are committed to protecting your child's best interests and helping you navigate the legal process.
One important aspect of child custody cases is creating a parenting plan that outlines the responsibilities and schedules for each parent. A well-crafted parenting plan can provide stability and structure for your child, ensuring their well-being and minimizing conflicts between parents.
Our skilled attorneys will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive parenting plan that takes into account:
- Physical custody arrangements
- Legal custody decisions
- Visitation schedules
- Holiday and vacation plans
- Communication methods between parents
- Education and healthcare decisions
We understand that every family is unique, and we will tailor the parenting plan to your specific situation and the needs of your child. Our goal is to help you reach a fair and sustainable agreement that promotes the best interests of your child.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced child custody lawyers and learn how we can assist you in creating a parenting plan that prioritizes your child's well-being.
To speak with our experienced San Francisco child custody lawyers, give us a call at (415) 855-9344 or contact us online today.
Understanding the Child Custody Process
Navigating the child custody process can be overwhelming for many parents. At Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding the steps involved in a custody case can help you feel more prepared and confident as you move forward. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: Meet with our experienced attorneys to discuss your situation, goals, and concerns. We will provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Filing the Petition: Once we have a clear understanding of your needs, we will assist you in filing the necessary legal documents to initiate the custody process.
- Mediation: Many custody cases are resolved through mediation, where both parents work with a neutral third party to reach an agreement that prioritizes the child’s best interests.
- Court Hearing: If mediation is unsuccessful, your case may proceed to court. Our attorneys will represent you and advocate for your desired custody arrangement.
- Final Custody Order: After the court has reviewed the evidence and heard from both parents, a final custody order will be issued, outlining the terms of custody and visitation.
By understanding these steps, you can better prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your child’s best interests remain at the forefront of the process.
Understanding the Impact of Child Custody Decisions
Child custody arrangements can significantly affect your child's emotional and psychological well-being. At Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP, we understand that every family is unique and that the decisions made during custody proceedings can have lasting implications. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of child custody law, ensuring that your child's best interests are at the forefront of every decision.
Here are some key factors to consider when navigating child custody:
- Child's Age and Needs: Custody arrangements should reflect the developmental needs of your child, taking into account their age, preferences, and any special requirements.
- Parental Involvement: Courts often favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain actively involved in their child's life, promoting a healthy relationship with both parents.
- Stability and Continuity: Maintaining stability in your child's living situation can be crucial. Our attorneys can help you present a case that emphasizes the importance of a consistent environment.
- Communication and Cooperation: Open communication between parents can lead to more amicable custody arrangements. We can assist in facilitating discussions that prioritize your child’s needs.
- Legal Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding your rights as a parent is essential. We will ensure you are fully informed about your legal standing and the responsibilities that come with custody agreements.
By considering these factors and working with our skilled legal team, you can navigate the child custody process with greater confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing a positive future for you and your child.
Common Child Custody and Support Mistakes Parents Make
Navigating child custody and support issues can be overwhelming, and many parents inadvertently make mistakes that can affect the outcome of their cases. Here are some of the most common missteps:
- Failing to Document Important Information: Parents often neglect to keep records of communications, schedules, and significant events pertaining to their child’s well-being, which can be crucial in court.
- Ignoring Legal Advice: Dismissing or underestimating the importance of legal counsel can lead to costly errors and misunderstandings in custody arrangements.
- Not Preparing for Court Hearings: Some parents arrive unprepared for court, lacking the necessary documentation or a clear understanding of the legal process, which can negatively impact their case.
- Emotional Decision-Making: Allowing emotions to drive decisions can result in impulsive actions that may not be in the child's best interest.
- Miscommunication with Co-Parents: Poor communication can create unnecessary conflict, leading to misunderstandings and complications in co-parenting and scheduling.
- Underestimating the Importance of a Parenting Plan: Failing to establish a detailed parenting plan can result in confusion and disputes regarding responsibilities and schedules.
- Not Prioritizing the Child’s Best Interests: Some parents may focus on their desires rather than what truly benefits the child, which the court prioritizes.
- Neglecting to Modify Support or Custody Orders: Parents often overlook the need to modify custody or support orders in light of significant changes in circumstances, leading to enforcement issues.
One of our attorneys at Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP can help you avoid these common mistakes by providing you with tailored legal advice and support. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the complexities of child custody and support laws, ensuring you understand the process and are fully prepared for each step. With their expertise, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions that align with your child’s best interests, ultimately creating a more manageable co-parenting situation and fostering a positive environment for your child’s growth and development.
Talk to a San Francisco child custody and support attorney about your case. Contact us online or at (415) 855-9344 to schedule a consultation.