Practicing in family law and child custody, the law firm of Garber & Garber, A.P.L.C. serves clients throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, West L.A., Van Nuys, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Ventura County, and Orange County. We represent clients in all matters of their divorce, including issues related to Community Property Division and Spousal Support.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody can be one of the most heated aspects of divorce, with both parents frequently contesting who is in the better position to have primary physical custody of a child. California law distinguishes between different forms of child custody. Legal custody may be awarded to one or both parents and is the authority to make decisions in regard to the child’s education, religious upbringing, after-school programming and other upbringing decisions. Primary physical custody is the day-to-day living arrangements for the child, with numerous possibilities of how that physical custody is shared.
The child’s best interests will generally determine the custody arrangement. Numerous factors bear on a child’s best interests, including the closeness of the parental relationship and who will provide the best environment to nurture the child. If a parent has an alcohol or drug problem or otherwise has a history of abuse, this will also figure into the child custody award. In such a case, the abusing parent may be granted monitored visitation and be subject to ongoing evaluations to determine their fitness to care for the child. We also represent clients seeking modifications of child custody and visitation orders, and parents who wish to take out-of-state trips with their children or move.
Child Support
An initial order for child support in California is calculated according to guidelines that consider a number of variables such as each spouse’s income and resources, the custody of the child, the number of children in the family, income from a new spouse, other support obligations, day care costs, special needs, and other expenses of the child. Like other family law actions, you will be required to go to conciliation proceedings, where you confer with a counselor who will attempt to reach a mutual agreement between you and your spouse as to child support. We can help you prepare for conciliation and for litigation in the event of a failed mediation, advocating for your rights and best interests at every step in the process.
Contempt Actions
A common issue that arises in regard to child support is the non-payment of support. We represent clients in contempt actions to collect child support. Contempt actions may also result from a custodial parent’s refusal to allow court-ordered visitation, domestic violence or harassment, which can result in criminal charges and jail time.
While most issues of child support and child custody are settled in conciliation prior to a court proceeding, the ongoing best interests of your family largely depend on how you present your case in conciliation before a counselor or in court litigation. We are experienced and understanding child custody attorneys who can advocate for your rights and the ongoing unity of your family. Contact us now to arrange for a free initial consultation to determine your next step.
Our family law and child custody and support practice is extensive and serves all of Southern California, including Los Angeles, West L.A., Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and other communities.
Garber & Garber, A.P.L.C.
3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1122
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 480-0817
Fax: (213) 480-0677
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