Riverside County Child Custody Attorney

The most important factor that courts' consider in determining child custody during a divorce proceeding is which parent is most likely to put personal differences aside and unselfishly do what is best for his or her child(ren). The parent who demonstrates to the court a sincere commitment to rise above any marital contentions has the advantage in a child custody case. The second most important consideration is to determine which parent is best suited not only to raise the child, but who will encourage and foster a good relationship between the child(ren) and the non-custodial parent.

In just about all California family courtrooms, mediation through a county mediation and investigative service is mandatory. The purpose of such mediation is to allow the parties to attempt to resolve child custody issues and visitation with a trained social worker, without judicial or child custody attorney interference. While the mediation processes differ in each California county, most mediation representatives have the ability to recommend that a custody evaluation be performed or recommend the appointment of an attorney for the child(ren), especially in instances of difficult or contentious situations.

When making child custody awards, California courts attempt to protect the child or children's "best interests". The child custody determination is based on the happiness, safety, physical, mental and moral welfare of the child(ren). Factors that have a role in the child custody determination include:

• Parents' ability to communicate, agree and cooperate in matters relating to the child(ren)
• Parents' history of and/or unwillingness to allow visitation to other party without any substantiated abuse claim basis
• The needs of the child
• Interactions and relationship that the child or children have with their parents and siblings
• The stability of each home environment offered by each parent
• If applicable, domestic violence history
• Child safety and that of either parent from physical or mental abuse by other parent
• Quality and continuity of the child(ren)'s education
• Each parent's employment responsibilities
• Number and ages of children
• The preference of the child(ren) (if of sufficient age and capacity to reason)

Premier Riverside Child Custody Attorney
As a premier Riverside child custody attorney, Michael R. Young has devoted 100% of his practice to family law. In matters of child custody, Riverside child custody attorney Michael R. Young strives to meet the needs of both parent and child by attempting to have all matters resolved without the need for a judicial determination. During mediation, Riverside child custody attorney Michael R. Young helps to develop a parenting plan that works in favor of both the parents and the child(ren).
In the state of California, there is a "joint custody" law that encourages family law judges to award joint legal custody to parents. Joint custody means that both parents would have the right to make decisions concerning the child(ren), such as medical treatment, education, and religious education. Riverside child custody lawyer Michael R. Young is knowledgeable about all types of custody arrangements. Riverside child custody lawyer Michael R. Young will work aggressively for you to insure that your child(ren) is/are protected and not drawn into any acrimony that may surround your child custody case. For more information about your child custody rights, contact the Riverside child custody law firm of Michael R. Young today!

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