Child Custody and Visitation Agreements
California Child Custody Attorney
Whether in the context of divorce or paternity, parents will need to make decisions about the care and support of their children. With the support of a knowledgeable child custody attorney, parenting plans can often be reached that are agreeable to both parents. When agreement is not possible, a skillful lawyer will be needed to take the case to court.
I'm Joshua Sutterfield, a family law attorney representing the interests of mothers and fathers in the Sacramento area. I work hard to protect my clients' relationships with their children. Contact my Roseville law office for an initial consultation.
Call the Law Offices of Joshua A. Sutterfield today: 916-221-4344
Types of Custody
There are a couple of decisions that must be made regarding custody of a child: who will have physical custody and for how long, and who will be authorized to make legal decisions (usually both parents). These are called physical and legal custody.
There are two types of physical custody: sole custody and joint custody. Because children do best when they can have physical contact with both parents, joint custody is most common. But there are situations in which sole custody with supervised visitation is needed to protect the welfare of the child.
I work closely with my clients to get to know them and their families so I can help them determine the best child custody and visitation arrangement for their unique situation. I then advocate for that in negotiations, in court, and in the drafting of parenting plans.
Mediation in Child Custody Cases in Divorce
The State of California requires mediation in all cases of divorce involving children. I can help you prepare for the child custody mediation process so you are ready to consider the many facets a comprehensive parenting plan should include. The more comprehensive your parenting plan can be, the less likely it is you and your former partner will have problems later.
Mediation is Not Always the Answer
It's not surprising, though, that some couples who couldn't get along in marriage also have problems trying to mediate a child custody agreement. If you and your former partner cannot reach agreement through mediation, I will take your case to California family court.
Child Custody and Paternity
Even if you were not married to the mother of your child, you still have rights and responsibilities to your child. Once paternity is established with a DNA test, you will be responsible for child support and you will be able to ask for visitation (or custody). But you must protect your rights. I help fathers secure their rights.
Modification of existing orders
It's not uncommon to request a change in a child custody and parenting order. Situations change, children change, families change and your child custody order can change with it, if there is a good reason. I help parents with modification of orders and relocation.
I can help you bring your child custody case back to court to seek a modification of your court order. Contact my Roseville family law office to learn more.
Law Offices of Joshua A. Sutterfield
Roseville Family Law Attorney
3017 Douglas Blvd, Suite 300 1024 Iron Point Road
Roseville, CA 95661 Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: 916-221-4344 Phone: 916-221-4344
Fax: 916-221-4388 Fax: 916-221-4388
Map & Directions
E-Mail
The Law Offices of Joshua A. Sutterfield provide family law services in Roseville, Sacramento, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Carmichael, Loomis, Lincoln, Rocklin, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Placer County, Sacramento County, and El Dorado County, California.