Custody & Visitation

Riverside County ▪ Custody and Visitation Attorney

Children need protection when their parents are divorcing. As some of the most vulnerable members of society, children require additional safeguards when interacting with the legal system. When making custody and visitation determinations, the court and all parties should put the child's best interests first.

Child Advocacy During Custody/Visitation Disputes

At the Tetley Law Offices your child's best interests come first. A child should never be used as a pawn in a divorce of custody dispute. As a former Superior Court Commissioner and member of the National Association of Counsel for Children, I never lose sight of the child's best interest.

Under California law there are two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody generally refers to the parent's right to make decisions about school, health care, religion, etc. Physical custody refers to where the child physically resides. If the parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court will determine who shall have custody. The court can award sole legal or physical custody to either of the parents, or it may award both parents joint legal and physical custody. Typically, the court will award visitation or shared parenting time to a parent who is not granted primary physical custody of the child. You need to consider the frequency,duration, location, and conditions of the visits and make sure the orders are clear.

Visitation disputes can also occur when a grandparent is denied visitation.

The Emotional Side to a Divorce

Almost every family law court matter causes emotional turmoil. Some parents will speak negatively of the other parent or ask their child to take sides in a divorce or custody battle. Such fighting and animosity between parents can seriously affect a child's self-esteem and mental health.

As a former court commissioner, I have seen the devastation a bitter divorce can cause a family. As a former Court Commissioner, I encourage parents to negotiate a voluntary agreement. It is always better to make an agreement than have a stanger make orders if possible. If needed, formal mediation can then avoid the costs and time of court proceedings. Perhaps more importantly, mediation can allow the parties to maintain healthy, or at least civil, relationships. But if the parties can't or won't negotiate, then we are ready to help you litigate.

Experienced Lawyer to Develop a Parenting Plan

Following a contentious divorce, people often disagree about what is best for their children. Disagreements over holiday or weekend visitation times, payment of medical expenses and daycare, and telephone times frequently end up back in court. One of the best ways to avoid disagreements and misunderstandings is to draft a detailed parenting plan that defines each party's obligations and rights. We are experienced in drafting and enforcing all terms of a parenting plan.

Your child should never be used as a tool during a divorce or custody/visitation dispute. A child's emotional stability should always be protected. To learn about your rights contact the Tetley Law Offices at 951-781-7500.