Coronado Child Custody and Visitation Attorneys

Skilled Legal Guidance in Coronado Child Custody and Visitation Matters

Coronado is a resort city with timeless charm and a fairytale air. Situated across the bay from downtown San Diego, it has one of the best beaches in the country. Schools in Coronado include Silver Strand Elementary, Village Elementary, Coronado Middle School, and Coronado High School.

If you are facing divorce or separation involving children in Coronado, child custody and visitation are among the most critical matters you must address. Our experienced Coronado family law attorney can provide sound legal guidance and protect the rights and interests of you and your children.

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What Types of Child Custody Are Possible in Coronado?

When parents divorce or separate, family law courts in California grant two types of child custody:

• Legal custody: This refers to a parent’s legal right to make important decisions for the child, such as what medical treatment the child receives and where the child attends school. Sole legal custody may be awarded to one parent, or both parents may have joint legal custody. When legal custody is shared, both parents must agree on important decisions for the child.
• Physical custody: This term refers to who the child lives with. The court may award sole physical custody to one parent, in which case the other parent typically has visitation rights. In most cases, the courts prefer joint physical custody because they believe it is important for the child’s emotional and social well-being to have equal time with both parents.

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What Factors Do the Courts Consider in Determining Child Custody?

The courts are always guided by the child’s best interests in custody matters. Judges will consider various factors in determining what custody arrangement is in the best interests of the child, including:

• Age and health of the child
• Each parent’s ability to care for the child
• Child’s emotional relationship with each parent
• Where the child goes to school
• Child’s involvement in the community
• Any history of substance abuse or domestic violence by either parent

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How Do Coronado Visitation Agreements Work?

In granting visitation, as in all matters concerning children, the primary concern of the courts is the best interests of the child. Children ages 14 and older are given a voice in child custody and visitation matters. Types of visitation agreements in California include:

• Scheduled visitation: A detailed schedule is laid out, specifying when the child will be with each parent to avoid conflict or confusion. Visitation schedules often include school vacations, holidays, and other special occasions.
• Reasonable visitation: This is a more flexible arrangement that allows parents to work out a schedule between them based on the child’s schedule and their own schedules. Reasonable visitation works when parents can get along and communicate well with each other.
• Supervised visitation: When the child’s safety and well-being are in question under the supervision of one parent, the court may order supervised visitation. The parent may visit with the child under the supervision of the other parent, another adult, or a professional agency. Supervised visitation may be ordered when a parent has a history of drug use, abuse, or neglect.
• No visitation: The court may issue a no visitation order if the child’s physical or emotional safety with a parent is in question.

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Do You Need an Attorney for Child Custody and Visitation in Coronado?

Having an experienced Coronado child custody and visitation lawyer represent you may help you obtain a more favorable outcome in court. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we have been assisting parents to maintain meaningful relationships with their children since 2014. Contact us at (858) 328-4400 if you are dealing with child custody and visitation matters.

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