As we welcome 2018, many California couples are making the difficult decision to end their marriages. If a couple has children, this decision can be particularly difficult, considering that their child’s life will never be the same. However, these life changes do not have to be completely negative. With support from our attorneys, you can make sure that the transition into post-divorce life is easy for both you and your children.
If you and your spouse are getting a divorce, you have a few options when it comes to child custody and support arrangements. The most challenging part is compromising with your spouse with regards to where the child will live post-divorce, how much time each parent will get with the child and who will make decisions regarding the child’s schooling, health and other important issues. The attorneys at Joseph R Zoucha Attorney & Counselor at Law can negotiate with your spouse and their attorney to attempt to reach an understanding that works for both of you.
If you and your spouse are on the same page and are willing to work together, you may be able to have joint physical and legal custody. That means that you and your spouse will work out a plan in which both of you will get an equal amount of time with the child and share decision making responsibilities. You and your spouse may also choose to work out an agreement in which the child stays with one of you primarily, but the other parent gets parenting time on weekends or during holidays. In such cases, the primary caregiver may be able to receive child support from the other spouse to help with child-related expenses.
If you and your spouse can come to an agreement outside of court with the help of your attorneys, the judge will merely have to approve the agreement. However, in some cases, parents are unable to agree on a child custody arrangement. In such cases, a judge will come up with an arrangement that is in the best interests of your child. Our attorneys will review your case and attempt to come up with the best evidence to support your case in court. In the end, our goal is always to do what is best for your children and make sure that your family can work together long-term. For more information on how we can help, visit our website.