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If there’s one thing we know at Pinkham & Associates, it’s that a child should never have to suffer due to unfair or unsensible visitation arrangements.
That’s why families in Orange County have trusted our firm to represent them in child custody hearings for over 25 years.
Our divorce and child visitation lawyers have the skills, compassion, and expertise needed to successfully negotiate your child custody arrangements and navigate the often challenging family court legal system so that you don’t have to worry about your child’s safety or well-being.
Contact Pinkham & Associates today at 714-442-7489 for a free consultation and we’ll go over the next steps to securing a safe child custody arrangement for you and your child.
Common Child Visitation Arrangements & Challenges in Orange County
When the court arranges custody of a child, they will either split the parents’ role through joint custody (both parents share custody, maybe through equal custody or possibly one party has partial custody) or sometimes the court will arrange for one parent to be the sole custodian.
When the latter happens, the other parent may have visitation rights if it is safe to do so. Here are some typical visitation arrangements in California:
- Scheduled Visitation: A detailed plan outlining the specific times and dates the child will be with the non-custodial parent, including holidays and special occasions.
- Reasonable Visitation: A more flexible arrangement allowing parents to work out visitation as they go, based on mutual agreement.
- Supervised Visitation: Visits that occur in the presence of a third party or at a designated facility are typically used when there are concerns about the child’s safety.
“The best approach is to determine what kind of schedule is in the best interest of the child,” comments Attorney Douglas Pinkham, who has over 25 years’ experience with child visitation cases.
There may be some situations where the court deems the visiting parent unfit to receive visitation rights if they have a history of violence, substance abuse, or the inability to make responsible parenting decisions.
When this happens, visitation can potentially be denied, with the non-custodial parent paying more in child support obligations.
The issues of child custody and child support can be very simple or very complicated. While they are legally obligated to act in the best interest of the child, the judge in your case may not make the most ideal or reasonable ruling based on your specific case.
Attorney Douglas Pinkham says, “The Judge’s opinion of what is in the child’s best interest is seldom in line with either parent’s opinion. Because of that, child custody issues are one of those issues that is truly best determined by agreement of both parents of the child whenever possible. The simple fact is, nobody knows your children better than you.”
The Judge doesn’t know you, or your spouse and certainly doesn’t know your child. The judge can only make their decisions based on the testimony and evidence presented in court. That is why when you are forced to go to court, it is crucial that you are represented by a lawyer who has decades of experience in the area of child visitation matters.
What To Look for in an Orange County Child Visitation Lawyer
While there are many experienced lawyers in Orange County who practice family law and child visitation, hiring one based on just one factor is never a good idea.
There are several important factors to consider when looking for a lawyer for your child custody or child visitation case including experience, track record, communication style, and fee arrangements.
Experience
When seeking a child visitation lawyer, experience is the most critical consideration.
An experienced lawyer brings a deep understanding of family law, familiarity with local court systems, and knowledge of the intricacies involved in visitation cases. They are well-versed in navigating complex legal issues, advocating effectively for their clients, and anticipating potential challenges.
An experienced lawyer can offer strategic advice, draw from past cases to suggest the best course of action, and provide a sense of confidence and reassurance during a potentially stressful time.
Making sure that your lawyer has substantial experience in child visitation matters can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Track Record
A lawyer’s track record offers insight into their effectiveness and reliability in handling child visitation cases.
Reviewing a child custody lawyer’s history of successful outcomes, client testimonials, and any notable achievements can provide a clearer picture of their capability and reputation.
A strong track record indicates that the lawyer has consistently delivered favorable results for their clients and is proficient in both negotiation and litigation.
This information can be particularly reassuring when you’re entrusting them with sensitive and crucial aspects of your child’s well-being and your parental rights.
Communication Style
The communication style of a child visitation lawyer is essential for a productive and stress-free attorney-client relationship.
You need a lawyer who listens to your concerns, explains legal concepts in understandable terms, and keeps you informed about the progress of your case.
Clear, compassionate, and timely communication can help alleviate anxiety so that you feel supported and involved throughout the legal process.
A lawyer who communicates effectively is better equipped to understand your goals and advocate for your interests in court.
Fees
While most parents would commit their entire life savings to ensure their child’s safety and well-being, financial security is important to maintain your position as a stable and responsible parent in court.
Choosing a lawyer whose fees are reasonable and clear can ensure that financial concerns do not overshadow the primary goal of achieving a favorable visitation arrangement. You should know that on the opposite side of the coin, if you find an attorney who is too affordable, they are likely not as experienced and therefore not very effective in court. That doesn’t mean you need to pay the highest fees in your area, but you definitely do not want to seek out a bargain attorney when you are fighting for custodial rights for you children.
Legal fees can vary widely, so it’s important to discuss costs upfront and understand how you will be billed—whether it’s an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a retainer. Additionally, inquire about any potential additional costs such as court fees, administrative expenses, or charges for expert witnesses.
Transparency in fees helps prevent unexpected financial burdens and allows you to budget appropriately for legal services.
Schedule Consultations
Once you have an understanding of what you are looking for in a child visitation lawyer, the next step is to schedule a consultation. Check to see if your potential lawyer offers free consultations so that you can ask questions about the lawyer’s experience, approach, and fees. At Pinkham & Associates, we always provide free consultations.
Choose the Right Orange County Child Visitation Lawyer
Finding an effective child visitation lawyer for your specific case and needs is not always easy, but the process is imperative to obtaining a child visitation solution that best serves your child.
We at Pinkham & Associates understand how difficult this process can be and the important considerations that go into making your decision.
Contact Pinkham & Associates today at 714-442-7489 for a free consultation. Our child visitation lawyers would be more than happy to talk with you about our 25 years of experience in family law, and our proven track record, and clearly discuss our fee system so that you know what to expect when we fight for your visitation or custody rights in court.
Child Visitation Resources
Nolo’s Essential Guide to Child Custody & Support
