Custody Attorneys Focused On The Best Interests Of Children

Disputes involving the care and maintenance of children are often the most emotional aspects of a divorce. Negotiations regarding child custody can take on a personal edge that few other subjects can match. An experienced family law attorney helps you sort through your emotions and identify your priorities in a child custody, child support and spousal support case.

The lawyers of Harris and Fraser have substantial experience with negotiating parenting plans in mediation, in the courtroom and in a collaborative law setting. We seek to resolve child custody issues that include living arrangements, child support, visitation and parental decision-making on schooling, medical care, and related welfare issues. Your top priority is your child, and we will do everything we can to help to protect and preserve your relationship.

The Burlingame law firm of Harris and Fraser has the experience you need to effectively make your child custody case. Contact our attorneys online or call us at 650-401-8080.

A Law Firm Helping You Make Informed Decisions

In child custody cases, a number of important concepts must be understood in order to make the appropriate case for our clients. The first is the difference between legal and physical custody of children.

• Legal child custody: Legal custody relates to each parent’s ability to make decisions on the child’s health, education and welfare. In the majority of situations, parents will share, or have joint legal custody of, the children.
• Physical child custody: Physical custody describes who is actually caring for the child at a given moment. Courts can order joint physical custody, or one parent can have primary physical custody.

These two very different types of custody mean that while both parents may have joint legal custody of their children, it is possible that primary physical custody is awarded to only one parent. Our attorneys, with more than 25 years of experience, can help you make the best arguments for your unique situation.

How Custody Is Determined Under California Law

In the state of California, courts presume that it is in the best interests of the children for both parents to take an active role in the upbringing of their children. This generally leads to joint legal custody by both parents. While one parent may have primary physical custody, the other parent will have visitation rights.

Harris and Fraser is a full-service family law firm. We can help you negotiate arrangements that will allow you and the other parent to maintain a substantial role in your child’s life.

There is a presumption of joint custody in California, but it may not be appropriate in every circumstance. For instance, if you have a restraining order against the other parent or believe that your child’s safety is threatened, we will argue forcefully for an arrangement that will protect your child’s well-being.

Contact Our San Mateo County Visitation Attorneys Today

Harris and Fraser is dedicated to providing superior customer service and sound legal advice to clients who require assistance with family law matters, including divorce, child custody and child support. Contact our attorneys online or call 650-401-8080 to discuss the unique facts of your case.