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| 11271 Ventura Blvd. |
| Suite 473 |
| Studio City, CA 91604 |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Warner Center Towers |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Watt Plaza |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Fashion Island |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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Child Custody
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Child custody and visitation issues are among the most contentious and emotionally charged concerns in divorce and paternity cases. Divorcing parents should be intimately familiar with the child custody and visitation options available to them. Knowledgeable advice and representation from an experienced family law attorney often makes the difference in allowing couples to reach a fair, mutually satisfactory agreement on these issues. However, when an agreement cannot be reached, success at trial may depend on the early involvement of a family law attorney.
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In California, mediation is often used in conjunction with family law trials. With the goal of protecting children from hostile litigation, The Law Offices of Thomas & Associates help our clients prepare for mediation and trial, seeking outcomes that will serve their and their children’s best interests. In any event, we seek to minimize any disruption and stress to the children involved.
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We believe in educating clients about the rights and options available under California custody laws. In highly litigated custody cases where the child is old enough to have his or her opinions considered by the court, we will assist in allowing the child to be heard.
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A child custody award involves determining which parent has legal and/or physical custody of the child. In most cases, the court will rely on expert assistance in making this determination. Sometimes the court will rely on a 730 or a 3111 evaluation.
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A 730 evaluation, named because it is ordered pursuant to California Evidence Code section 730, is a psychological evaluation of the parties and children by a court-approved qualified expert (i.e. a psychologist). The purpose of the exam is to determine the appropriate custody/visitation for the needs of the child.
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A 3111 evaluation, named because it is ordered pursuant to California Family Code section 3111, is an evaluation performed by a (court employed) evaluator. The evaluator usually interviews the parties, third parties, and inspects the parties’ respective living arrangements to determine an appropriate custody and visitation order that suit the children’s best interests.
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Additional issues, such as drug use, alcohol abuse, mental illness, or domestic violence, can also be addressed through the use of the above-referenced evaluations.
Child Custody and Visitation.
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Child Custody and Visitation
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Divorce is usually one of the most stressful and emotional events that someone will endure. Having to make determinations about child custody during divorce can be daunting. This is why it is very important for divorcing parents to understand the different types of child custody and visitation arrangements. Learning about all of your available options can alleviate some of the stress in the decision. Consulting with an attorney at
The Law Offices of Thomas & Associates can assist you in learning about your options and considering your child’s best interests while pursuing the custody arrangement that meets your needs.
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[Read More]
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Functional Parenting Requires a Plan
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A parenting plan is an agreement between parents outlining the custody of their children. A parenting plan accounts for which parent has the children on which days, the process through which decisions are made about the children's education, health, and religion; and how to handle significant life changes in the life of either party.
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[Read More]
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Custody Evaluations
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If the parties disagree on matters affecting child custody, the family court judge deciding your case may order a custody evaluation. A custody evaluation, usually conducted by a mental health professional like a psychologist, evaluates the parties and the children. From the evaluation, the evaluator makes a custody and visitation recommendation to the court. Judges rely heavily on the evaluator’s recommendations.
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[Read More]
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Domestic Violence and Child Custody
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California is a no-fault state for dissolution of marriage. However, evidence of domestic violence in a marriage can play a major role in decisions regarding child custody, visitation and support.
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[Read More]
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Contact us at 877-479-7970, or e-mail us at info@law-thomas.com, to arrange for a confidential complimentary family law consultation.
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Q: What is the legal custody?
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A: Legal custody refers to the authority to make decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare and religion.
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Q: What is physical custody?
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A: A: Physical custody refers to where the child lives and which parent is responsible for the child’s daily care.
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[More]
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 ABA Custody Criteria Report
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The American Bar Association offers this table with current custody criteria for all 50 states.
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US State Department: International Child Abduction
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This Web page is a US Department of State guide for people whose children have been parentally abducted and taken across an international border.
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[More]
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