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Child Custody & Visitation Guiding You Through Difficult Times

Child Custody Lawyer in Ventura

Understanding Child Custody Processes in Ventura, CA

In Ventura, CA, the process for determining child custody involves several key steps and considerations. Child custody cases are typically handled through the Ventura County Family Court, which follows California state laws aimed at protecting the child's best interests. It's essential to be aware of the specific procedures and expectations in the local court system, as these can significantly impact case outcomes. Our team at SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation is well-versed in navigating these processes, ensuring that you have the local insight needed to approach your case effectively.

One crucial aspect of child custody in Ventura is understanding the role of mediation. Mediation is often a required step before a court hearing and provides both parties the opportunity to reach an agreement outside of the adversarial court setting. This approach not only saves time but also aims to minimize emotional stress. Our attorneys support clients through mediation, providing guidance that aligns with the nuances of Ventura's legal landscape. Our client-first philosophy emphasizes reaching amicable solutions that uphold your family's values and priorities.

Contact our trusted child custody lawyer in Ventura at (805) 222-7818 to schedule a free consultation.

Child Visitation Rights in Ventura County, Oxnard & Surrounding Areas

Just because your family dynamic changed after a divorce or separation does not mean you cannot see your child anymore. A child custody order and visitation order, or parenting time as it is called in California, establishes how this dynamic will work.

Child custody and visitation orders can still get complicated. It is helpful to seek the counsel of an experienced family law attorney in Ventura who will know your rights as a parent and work to protect them.

At SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, we understand that navigating child custody and visitation issues can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of a divorce or separation. Our experienced Ventura child custody lawyers are dedicated to protecting your parental rights while ensuring the best interests of your child are prioritized.

Whether you are negotiating custody agreements, facing complex disputes, or seeking to modify an existing arrangement, our firm offers compassionate and strategic legal support tailored to your family’s unique needs. We recognize the importance of stability in a child’s life and strive to create solutions that foster their well-being. Understanding local Ventura court processes allows us to guide you more effectively through the legal landscape, ensuring compliance and favorable resolutions. Our team's extensive experience in family law provides the foundation for resolving even the most intricate child custody cases.

Comprehensive Child Custody Services in Ventura

  • Legal Custody: Legal custody determines who has the authority to make major decisions about a child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Our Ventura child custody lawyers will advocate for your role in these critical decisions and help mediate or litigate disputes when necessary.
  • Physical Custody: Physical custody determines where the child lives. Our attorneys work diligently to secure arrangements that promote stability and a positive environment for your child. We understand how essential it is for a child to have a safe and supportive home life, and we strive to facilitate custody solutions that reflect these priorities, always keeping a focus on the child's best interests.
  • Visitation Rights: For non-custodial parents or extended family members, ensuring meaningful visitation rights is essential. Our Ventura visitation lawyers strive to create fair and enforceable visitation schedules that respect the rights of all parties. We engage closely with both parents to understand their circumstances and propose visitation plans that best meet everyone's needs.
  • Parenting Plans: Parenting plans provide a roadmap for co-parenting responsibilities. Our team helps draft comprehensive plans that address custody schedules, decision-making authority, and conflict-resolution mechanisms. These plans are crafted to reduce potential conflicts and ensure consistent and clear communication between parents.
  • Custody Modifications: Life changes such as relocation, job changes, or remarriage can necessitate modifications to existing custody orders. We guide you through the process to ensure compliance with California law. Our approach focuses on minimizing disruptions for the child while securing arrangements that reflect current family dynamics and needs.
  • Relocation/Move-Away Cases: When a custodial parent wishes to relocate, it can create significant challenges. Our team helps present compelling arguments to the court, whether you’re seeking permission to relocate or opposing a move. We engage in thorough preparation to safeguard your parental rights and ensure that the child's best interests remain central to any decisions made.
  • Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): We encourage out-of-court resolutions through mediation whenever possible, as it often results in quicker, less adversarial outcomes. However, we are prepared to litigate fiercely if necessary. Our mediation techniques are designed to bring parties together amicably while making certain that the arrangements are comprehensive and legally sound.

Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to speak with our Ventura child custody lawyers

How Child Custody/Visitation Orders Are Determined in Ventura

California grants child custody to either one parent or allows each parent to share custody. It is important to note that a judge has the final decision about child custody orders. Still, he/she will typically approve an arrangement the parents have agreed on. If this is not possible, the judge will determine a child custody issue in court. Understanding factors such as those that a court typically considers, like parental involvement and living arrangements, will aid in preparing for court procedures. We ensure our clients are well-informed and prepared for each stage of the custody determination process in Ventura.

What are Child Custody Orders

The court will grant a child custody order based on the best interest of the child standard.

Additional factors will aid in the child custody decision-making process, including, but not limited to:

  • The child’s age
  • The child’s physical and mental health
  • The relationship between the child and each parent
  • Each parent’s ability to care and provide for the child
  • The child’s accustomed style of living
  • If one parent has a history of substance or domestic abuse

To understand how child custody orders are determined, you should understand the type of custody orders available: physical and legal custody.

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to where the child will reside and who will provide the child with day-to-day care. Physical custody is either granted as joint, meaning shared between the parents, or sole physical custody, which is granted to one parent.

It is very difficult to split joint custody time equally with each parent, so it is common for one parent to have more time with the child than the other. This parent is called the primary custodial parent.

If one parent is awarded sole physical custody, the other will usually be granted visitation rights. Our legal team aids in facilitating these discussions and negotiations to ensure fair and practical visitation, consistent with the child’s needs and lifestyle.

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to who will make decisions regarding important elements of the child’s life. These decisions could be related to education, healthcare, religious beliefs/influence, and/or extracurricular activities. A parent can be granted joint or sole legal custody.

Parents who have joint legal custody do not necessarily have to agree on every decision related to their child. However, they should communicate their wants and do their best to cooperate. Our team helps manage this communication by offering mediation services that can ease tensions and foster a cooperative environment for decision-making.

Learn more about how our Ventura child custody and visitation lawyer can help you. Call (805) 222-7818 or contact us online today!

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Contact Our Ventura Child Custody & Visitation Attorneys Today

Child custody cases require both legal expertise and compassion. At SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, we are committed to helping families in Ventura find workable solutions that prioritize the well-being of their children. Our approach is both strategic and family-oriented, ensuring that every legal move is underpinned by the child's best interests. By integrating our deep understanding of local laws and community contexts, we provide you with robust custody resolutions that resonate with real-world concerns.

You want the best for your child. Let us help you with your child custody and visitation orders to ensure you can maintain this standard. Do not hesitate to contact us; here, you are family to us as well. Building relationships with our clients allows us to tailor our legal strategies specifically to your family's circumstances and goals.

Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to learn more about our child custody and visitation services. 

California Child Custody & Visitation FAQs

Can Grandparents Seek Visitation Rights in Ventura?

Yes, California law allows grandparents to request visitation rights if it serves the child’s best interests. Courts evaluate the relationship between the grandparent and the child as well as the family dynamics. A significant factor is the existing bond and ongoing involvement in the child's life, suggesting that continued contact is beneficial. Legal support from our firm can assist grandparents in presenting a compelling case for visitation, aligned with the child’s best interests and the statutory framework.

Can a Parent with Sole Custody Relocate Without the Other Parent’s Permission?

No, the custodial parent typically must seek court approval or obtain the non-custodial parent’s consent before relocating if the move impacts the visitation arrangement. A move away could significantly disrupt the child’s life, and the court closely scrutinizes such cases to ensure relocation aligns with statutory child welfare considerations. Preparing an effective relocation case involves understanding and articulating how the move benefits the child’s overall quality of life.

What Happens if a Parent Violates a Custody or Visitation Order?

Violating a court order can result in legal consequences, including fines, changes to custody arrangements, or even contempt of court charges. It’s essential to address violations through the proper legal channels. Engaging with our legal team early can mitigate consequences and provide guidance on corrective measures that keep child interests centered while adhering to legal protocols.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Child Custody Case?

While it’s possible to represent yourself, custody cases often involve complex legal and emotional issues. An experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. We advocate for your position with meticulous preparation, balancing legal guidance with an empathetic approach that acknowledges family intricacies. Legal representation provides a coordinated strategy that aligns with both statutory protections and the child’s best interest framework.

An Emphasis on Strong Family Values

Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
  • Holistic Approach

    We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.

  • Collaboration

    Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.

  • Children Come First

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

  • Compassionate Legal Services

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

Our Satisfied Clients

Real Stories from Real People
  • “I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone!”
    The Santo Mehas team has been exceptional in handling my case. They are very experienced, have given me good advice and representation, and they have worked on my particularly complex case almost as if I were family. They have shown support beyond professionally, but also personally. They have worked with me financially, and are very fair and understanding. I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone who needs family law assistance!
    - Heather L.
  • “The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us.”

    My son was filing for divorce and he had child custody problems. The divorce was contentious and we hired Donna Santo because she is well known for handling these types of difficult situations. She was very easy to work with and was able to do most of the family law work via phone or e-mail. The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us, and we have a great relationship with our grandchild.

    - Rhonda A.
  • “Donna is a fantastic attorney!”

    Can’t get a better attorney than Donna Santo. Donna is a fantastic attorney! She was able to comprehend the complications associated with nasty child custody problems and bitter divorce disputes. Donna and her staff were and continue to be extremely caring and empathetic to my family’s needs. I hold Donna with the utmost respect and recommend her to anybody who needs a knowledgeable and savvy attorney.

    - Eduardo
  • “I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.”

    I am lucky to have had Michael Mehas handle my family law child custody and visitation matter, personal injury, and business and employment matters, and he's the only attorney I've ever used. He's very compassionate in what he does and combines many years of experience with a great understanding of the law. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.

    - Molly C.
  • “Santo Mehas what a great team”
    SANTO MEHAS WHAT A GREAT TEAM ,VERY CARING, GOT THE JOB DONE IN A TIMELY MANNER .I WOULD RECOMMEND TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
    - Alice D.
  • “We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas”
    Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.
    - Lupe V.
  • “Donna fought for me and she will fight for you.”
    I have a pretty complicated case that needed a lot of things done quickly and Donna was able to not only get them done but she knocked it out of the park and I am very happy with the outcome. She is also great at communicating things throughout the process in a way that I could understand.
    - Wayne
  • “Working with Donna was refreshing.”
    “Working with Donna was refreshing.”
    - Daniel W.