Custody and Visitation

Working through the issues of child custody and visitation can often by the most emotionally trying aspect of family law. However, custody and visitation make up the majority of Allysyn's experience and current practice. While mediating a coparenting plan is always a great plan, it is not always appropriate in every case. In those cases, the court will make an order on what it thinks is in the best interest of the child(ren). In California, courts are determined to provide frequent and continuing contact between the children and each parent. There are numerous factors, however, that the court will consider in what is it believes is the best child custody and visitation arrangement for your child(ren).

Legal Custody refers to who makes the medical, educational, and general-welfare decisions for your child(ren). Joint legal custody means that the parents must work together to make these decisions. Sole legal custody means that only one parent is making these decisions. Sometimes, courts may split the categories of decision-making, assigning the responsibility of medical decisions to one parent, and educational decisions to the other parent.

Physical Custody refers to with whom the child(ren) lives. Joint physical custody means that the child(ren) reside(s) with both parents. Sole physical custody means that the child(ren) resides primarily with just one parent.

Visitation refers to the timeshare schedule the parents share with the child(ren). There are a few common arrangements, such as 2-2-3-3 schedule, 2-2-5 schedule, week-on/week-off schedule, and alternating weekends with one weekly midweek visit. This does not mean that these are the only arrangements possible. Many factors can be taken into account to decide what works best for your circumstances. Allysyn will listen to your concerns and goals to come up with a creative solution for you.