Child Custody Attorney in San Diego with Over 25 Years of Experience
Legal proceedings involving children can be emotionally and physically draining. As a child custody lawyer serving La Mesa, San Diego, and surrounding areas who has been working in this field since 1992, I understand the complexities and sensitive nature of family law cases, which is why I offer you legal assistance that is rigorous, yet empathetic to the needs of your family.
When navigating through the legal process in La Mesa, California, our San Diego child custody lawyer takes into consideration your unique needs and those of your family, ensuring that the relationship dynamics of your family are respected.
Whatever your desired outcome may be, our child custody lawyer in San Diego is here to help you.
There are certain situations you should hire a family lawyer for child custody. Child custody lawyers can be influential advocates, particularly in situations that are complicated or include any form of abuse.
Here are important reasons to work with a child custody attorney La Mesa parents can trust:
Advocacy in complex cases – An experienced attorney can help navigate complicated custody disputes, especially those involving allegations of abuse or parental relocation requests.
Knowledge of local courts – A La Mesa Child Custody Attorney will understand how the San Diego County Superior Court’s East County branch operates, including local judges’ expectations and procedures.
Assistance with paperwork – Properly filing petitions and legal forms is essential, and an attorney can ensure accuracy and meet necessary deadlines.
Help with negotiations – Skilled negotiation can lead to favorable custody agreements out of court, minimizing the emotional toll on your family.
Personalized strategy – Each family is unique, and a child custody lawyer La Mesa residents rely on will develop solutions tailored specifically to your needs.
Hiring a San Diego child custody lawyer for legal counsel will help bring a bigger outcome in your custody cases. The family judge in La Mesa will wish to look carefully at the care and finances your child requires from you.
Understanding the Family Court Process in La Mesa
Navigating the family court system in La Mesa can seem overwhelming for parents facing custody disputes. It is important to understand how local procedures and expectations at the East County Regional Center, which serves La Mesa families, might affect your case. Being familiar with the step-by-step process helps you to better prepare for hearings, mediation, and negotiations involving your children.
The process for resolving child custody matters in La Mesa typically begins with the filing of a petition, followed by the opportunity for both parents to attend mediation designed to help them reach an agreement outside of court. Whether you work with a child custody attorney La Mesa parents trust or handle some matters independently, knowing the stages ahead of time can reduce stress and confusion.
Filing initial paperwork – Submit documents such as the petition for custody, which officially begins your case.
Attending mediation – The court will often require both parties to attempt mediation in hopes of reaching a mutual agreement on custody arrangements.
Participating in hearings – If no agreement is reached, you must attend scheduled hearings at the San Diego Superior Court’s East County branch, where a judge will review your circumstances.
Receiving court orders – Once all evidence and input from both sides have been considered, a judge will issue legally binding custody and visitation orders that both parents must follow.
Working with a La Mesa Child Custody Attorney familiar with the local court’s expectations can provide guidance tailored to the area’s unique legal environment and help you avoid missteps that could affect your family’s future.
How is Child Custody Determined in La Mesa, CA?
During custody and visitation cases, judges in La Mesa consider several factors when making a decision, such as:
The wishes of the children
The age of the children
Current and potential health, safety, and welfare of the children
Any domestic violence charges on a parent's record
Criminal history of both parents
The amount of contact that each parent currently has with the child
Any possible alcohol or drug use from parents
Any mutual agreements that have been negotiated between parents
What Are the Different Types of Custody in La Mesa?
When it comes to custody and visitation cases, my aim is to act as your La Mesa child custody attorney to negotiate a mutual settlement between both parties out of La Mesa family court, thus saving all involved parties money and time.
While this is my preferred method, it doesn't always pan out this way. In cases where both parties cannot come to an agreement, the matter will be given over to a judge to decide.
The main topics that are discussed during custody and visitation cases in La Mesa, CA are:
Legal custody, which gives the parent the right to make decisions about the child's education, medical care, and religious preference.
Physical custody, which refers to the child's place of residence.
Sole custody, which gives one parent full custody. This can apply to legal custody, physical custody, or both.
Joint custody, which requires both parents to share custody. This can apply to legal custody, physical custody or both.
Visitation, wherein one parent is given primary custody of the child, and the courts can grant visitation rights to the other parent.
Is California a Mother or Father State?
The state of California doesn't hold any bias or give preference to a parent based on gender.
Both the mother and father have equal right to legal and physical custody, so long as the father has been able to establish paternity.
Establishing paternity can be done either by signing a Declaration of Paternity at the hospital when the baby is born, or by filing for a paternity test with the La Mesa courthouse.
How Much Does a Custody Lawyer Cost?
Each child custody attorney in La Mesa, CA is different. You don’t want to go with the least expensive.
Most will charge an initial retainer and pull their hourly fees out of that retainer. You should be given a written contract that states exactly how the attorney does their billing, how much they charge and what they charge for.
Consider these key points if you are comparing child custody lawyer La Mesa options:
Retainer and hourly rates – Most attorneys require an upfront retainer. The final cost depends on how many hours your case needs and how quickly you and the other party can reach agreements.
Written fee agreements – Reputable attorneys provide written contracts explaining their fee structure and what services are covered.
Complexity affects cost – Disagreements or repeated court appearances often increase costs, while parties able to negotiate outside of court generally pay less.
Unique services – Some attorneys offer flexible communication or payment plans, which may help in managing costs.
How much you wind up paying will depend on you and the other party. The more you can agree on, the less your case will cost you.
If you cannot agree about everything and go to court often, it is going to be very expensive.
What is an Unfit Parent in San Diego CA?
During a divorce, San Diego County courthouse may need to determine if a parent is "unfit" for custody of children. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine if the child's safety or well-being is at risk.
Here are some of the factors that are taken into account:
1) How involved was the parent in the child's life before the divorce? Are they familiar with the daily routine of the children?
2) Does the parent understand the needs of the child and how to communicate with them effectively about those needs?
3) Does the child have any ill-feelings towards the parent? Is there any fear based out of previous traumatic experiences?
4) Are there age-limit barriers set in place for things inappropriate for young children?
5) Does the parent seeking custody have a history of mental illness that impairs them from carrying out the role of being a responsible parent? Is there a history of substance abuse?
If you need any help with the process, our San Diego child custody lawyer can help.
Moving away is considered relocating to a distance that will interfere with the current custody arrangement, which is typically 50 miles or more.
For more information about my custody and visitation services in San Diego and surrounding areas, please give our La Mesa child custody attorney from the Law Offices of Andrea Schneider a call at (619) 304-8499 or contact us online.
“This law office is very knowledgeable and really showed they cared about my family's unique situation.”
“I was truly helped! This law office is very knowledgeable and really showed they cared about my family's unique situation.”
Stephanie
“I personally recommend her!!”
“What a wonderful person ! Andrea is wholesome and very nice to work with. She will do her best to help and guide you even if she can not take your case. Andrea has a lot of passion for what she does and you can expect a pleasant experience working with her”
Clayton M.
“She knowledge on all the topics I needed but she was sweet and comforting really made me feel like I was talking to a good friend or family member someone who truly cared thank you for everything!”
Thank you so much for your help not only is she knowledge on all the topics I needed but she was sweet and comforting really made me feel like I was talking to a good friend or family member someone who truly cared thank you for everything
Bianca G.
“You were a big help!”
You were a big help! You helped me create boundaries and keep things neutral. I think I would have been taken advantage of if you weren't there.
Thank you for being understanding.
Former Client
“If you are looking for a no non-sense, skilled family lawyer, Andrea Schneider is your LAWYER!!”
If you are looking for a no non-sense, skilled family lawyer, Andrea Schneider is your LAWYER!! Andrea is unfathomably knowledgeable, capable and professional. She provided my daughter with clear direction and support during one of the most difficult times of her life. Entrusting Andrea to represent you is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Amber V.
“I'm happy we got a chance to work together. The outcome was favorable for me.”
Andrea worked with me prior to my birth and then right after I had my son to come up with a custody agreement/parenting plan. She was timely and processional and brainstormed ways in which to approach the agreement . She was great! I'm happy we got a chance to work together. The outcome was favorable for me.
Janell B.
“I appreciate Andrea Schneider's professionalism.”
I appreciate Andrea Schneider's professionalism. She is quick and to the point at which is admirably respected. Thank you for you time and consideration.
Lucia A.
“I would highly recommend.”
Andrea Schneider is an excellent lawyer - she thrives with patience, understanding and the ability to get one through the most difficult of situations. Andrea is incredibly knowledgeable in family law and goes above and beyond what is asked from her. She helped guide me from start to finish and was very tentative to my case. I would highly recommend. Thanks again Andrea
