Menlo Park Child Custody Lawyer

At Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP, we assist clients in Menlo Park, San Ramon and throughout the Bay Area with child custody issues during the divorce process.

Child custody cases can be difficult to resolve because both parents are concerned about the well-being of their children. Parents may also have different views on what is in their children’s best interests.

In highly contested cases, our attorneys’ depth of experience can play a crucial role in the outcome. Our partners are all Certified Family Law Specialists* who have decades of experience in sensitive and high-stakes cases. Many of our partners serve as judges pro tem in the local courts, an appointment by the court for the most qualified attorneys.

How Is Child Custody Determined?

When parents cannot agree on child custody, the matter must be decided by a family law judge. In all matters, family law judges will determine what is in the child’s best interests. A family law judge will closely examine all the information available in order to protect the child’s well-being.

For example, if a parent has a history of violent behavior or drug or alcohol addiction, determining custody and visitation rights can be complicated. A judge can award a parent sole custody or decide joint custody is best for the child. If the child is old enough, his or her preference may be taken into consideration by the judge, mediators or evaluators who are appointed to review the case.

Visitation Rights For The Noncustodial Parent

California courts and child psychologists agree: Children should ideally have significant contact with both parents in order to ensure the children’s emotional well-being after divorce.

For this reason, parents who are not awarded physical custody can petition for visitation rights or parenting time to ensure the emotional bond with their children does not diminish after divorce. Visitation rights may be granted even to individuals with drug or criminal history, usually under supervision or other restrictions.

Handling Relocation Cases In The Bay Area

When one parent wants to relocate far enough away that it makes it difficult to share parenting or allow children to spend time in both homes while still attending the same school, it is referred to as a relocation case, sometimes called a “moveaway.”

At Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP, our legal team has extensive experience in these challenging cases. We take pride in providing parents throughout Northern California with unparalleled representation in relocations and many other matters related to parental rights.

To request an initial consultation with one of our lawyers, contact us today.

*The State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization