by Yasaman Sharif || 8 May 2020 ||
Are you a California parent seeking custody of your minor child? Do you want to spend more time with them? Are you seeking visitation with your minor child? Are you unsure what all these new legal terms mean or how to ask for them? This is the first of several posts that will help provide some information to these questions. California family courts decide these questions in Custody and Visitation Orders. Over the next several posts we will discuss some of the concepts that go into these decisions.
What are Custody and Visitation Orders
In the California family courts, there are two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Early on in the case, the court will decide what is in the “best interest” of the minor child. But, after making certain “final” orders, the court will only change an order if there is a “substantial change of circumstances.” Further, when making custody and visitation orders the court may want to hear from:
- an attorney appointed to represent any minor children (known as “minor’s counsel”); or
- a qualified psychologist to evaluate family members (known as “730 psychological expert”).
Further, whenever custody or visitation is at issue, the Family Court Services (“FCS”) is assigned by the court to assist. FCS can make a recommendation or help the parents reach an agreement about custody and visitation issues.
Over this series of postings, we will be exploring all of these topics.
More Questions?
In future posts we’ll discuss this further. If you have questions beforehand though, please check out the rest of our blog for more information. The content of this blog is provided for informational purposes only, and we are not offering any legal opinions. If you wish to consult with Sharif | Faust, please contact us to set up a consultation. This blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with Sharif | Faust. To retain Sharif | Faust, you must sign a written attorney-client agreement. Remember, the results in any case depend upon the specific facts in that case. It is important that you consult with a lawyer you trust. By reading this blog, you agree to our Terms of Use.