Mistakes That Could Complicate Your Child Custody Case
Being a parent can be a very rewarding experience, but at times, the experience can also be very challenging. When the parents of a child decide to separate and/or divorce, it can oftentimes affect the relationship each parent has with the child. This is especially true if the separation has become acrimonious and complex. If you are going through a custodial dispute and/or divorce, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming and the legal aspects of the situation can get mixed with the personal problems that led to the separation. Obtaining the support of a knowledgeable family attorney can be beneficial. The Riverside family law attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP can help.
For more than 40 years, the Knez Law Group, LLP has represented clients facing divorce, custody, and visitation cases. The firm understands that a difficult divorce can often complicate a custody case. The compassionate team is prepared to provide tailored legal counsel and ensure your rights as a parent are protected throughout the dispute. To schedule a no-obligation consultation with the experienced Riverside child custody attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP., consider calling (951) 742-7681 or fill out the quick online contact form today.
Consider Avoiding These Mistakes When Seeking Child Custody
Understandably, a child custody dispute will create strong emotions and even resentment toward the other parent. Still, it is important to remember that the actions one takes can affect not only the case but the relationship with the child. When a poor decision is made, this can cause a significant disadvantage in the courtroom. As a parent, it is very important to remember that all judgments pertaining to child custody will be made based on the legal standard of what is in the best interests of the child. The best interest of the child is a multi-factored balancing test that considers certain factors under the California Family Code as well as any other factor the court deems relevant.
The following are common mistakes that could jeopardize the outcome of a child custody case in California:
- Refusing to Cooperate With the Other Parent – It is the policy of the law in California to facilitate frequent and continuing contact with both parents unless it would not be in the child’s best interest. California family law courts recognize the importance of the policy in having both parents involved in the child’s life. Based on this, courts generally favor a shared custody arrangement. When a parent refuses to cooperate with the other parent, the court judge can interpret this as negative gate-keeping conduct and is evidence of the parent’s failure to place the child’s interest as a priority.
- Refusing to Abide by Court Orders – Another grave mistake parents can make is to disobey court orders, such as a temporary custody schedule. When a parent disregards a court order, this can be interpreted as a lack of respect for state laws and the court. Depending on the circumstances, failure to comply with a court custody order can result in the loss of your legal and physical custodial rights as well as an order of contempt. When there is disagreement with a court order, it is always best to continue with the order and take appropriate steps to obtain a modified order, an order of set-aside, or other order correcting the judgment.
- Refusing to Allow the Other Parent to Visit the Child – Refusal of parent visitation is serious and could severely hurt a child custody case. There are certain emergency situations where there may be a risk of abuse or serious harm to the child’s health, safety or welfare if visitation is exercised. In these situations, if you feel there is a real emergency of risk of harm, it is best to contact the authorities and seek the advice of an experienced attorney who will know how to navigate these complex situations.
Retain the Support of a Knowledgeable Family Law Attorney Today
Child custody cases in the State of California are often complex. When a parent deliberately refuses to allow the other parent visitation rights, is refusing to abide by court orders, or does not cooperate with the other parent, this can have an unfavorable custody case outcome. If you are going through a separation or divorce and are facing a challenging child custody case, consider contacting the legal support of an experienced family law attorney who will advocate for your parental rights.
For more than 40 years, the compassionate family law attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP have assisted clients through difficult child custody cases. The firm understands that a divorce can present some of the most challenging situations a parent can face. Through their experience, the attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP can determine the best strategy that could produce a favorable outcome for even the most contentious child custody cases. Schedule a free consultation with the law firm today. Consider calling (951) 742-7681 or fill out the quick and confidential contact form here.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He went on to pursue his Law Degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in Ontario, California. While pursuing his law degree he earned various awards, including CALI Award in Torts and he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Knez was also a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic where he worked with people seeking asylum into the United States from countries where they had experienced persecution or threat of persecution. Additionally, Mr. Knez was a member of Law Review where he was an Associate Editor and published a Law Review article on California family custody move-away cases.