Child Custody Attorney in Murrieta

Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson: Doing What’s Best for Your Family

Is your California divorce being delayed because of heated disagreements over child custody issues? When divorcing spouses find themselves in conflict over child custody arrangements, the input and guidance of a knowledgeable Murrieta child custody attorney are essential.

The Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, APC is solidly in your corner during custody negotiations and for litigation in court if needed. Our founding attorney uses his 10 years of experience as an accomplished family lawyer to advance your goals.

How Does a Court Determine Custody?

A court determines custody by evaluating both parents and factors that would or would not be in the child’s best interests.

The following factors help determine custody:

• Substance abuse
• Criminal history
• History of domestic violence
• Child’s preference
• Parent’s willingness to encourage a relationship with the other parent
• Child/parent relationship before the divorce
• Parent’s living situation
• Stability

How Can a Father Obtain Full Custody?

Fathers must first establish their paternity. Fathers can do this either by signing the child's birth certificate after the child is born, formally declaring paternity. Or, the father may obtain a court order to legally recognize his paternity. When deciding on custody, the judge will look closely at the relationship between the child and the father. This is one factor that can determine how well the father can assist in the child's growth and development, or what would be in the "best interests of the child."

The Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody

Child custody can be adapted to fit the needs of the children and the situations of the parents involved. In addition, should circumstances change down the road, a child custody agreement can be modified to accommodate these changes.

In California, there are two main types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Every family’s case will be different. If one parent has had a history of alcoholism, for example, this may discount their eligibility to receive physical custody of the child. Or, there may be a cause where both parents have legal custody, but only one parent may have sole physical custody.

Here are the distinctions between the different forms of custody:

• Legal custody: The parent has the legal right to make decisions on behalf of the child, such as education or health and medical needs.

• Physical custody: The child lives with this parent.

• Sole custody: In this situation, only one parent has legal and physical custody of the child. The other parent may have visitation, but does not have the right to make any major decisions for the child.

• Joint legal custody: Each parent can legally make decisions for the child.

• Joint physical custody: The child lives with one parent for a certain amount of time, and then lives with the other for a set amount of time. For example, the child may spend time at one parent’s house for a week and then move to the other parent’s house on another week.

If you have any questions about settling your custody matter, please do not hesitate to contact us at Law Offices of Michael D. Iverson, APC. We truly care about protecting family and your children's well-being.

Contact an Experienced Murrieta Child Custody Lawyer

Our firm’s commitment to "the best interests of the child" is reflected in every quality legal service we deliver. Michael D. Iverson can handle any situation that erupts from a custody dispute. His wealth of knowledge and focused leadership are assets that get results when custody rights are debated; when availability for parenting time becomes a sticking point; and when changes must be made to child care considerations as a son or daughter grows older.