Child Custody & Visitation Guiding You Through Difficult Times

Ventura Child Custody Lawyer

Child Visitation Rights in Ventura County, Oxnard & Surrounding Areas

Just because your family dynamic changed after a divorce or separation does not mean you cannot see your child anymore. A child custody order and visitation order, or parenting time as it is called in California, establishes how this dynamic will work.

Child custody and visitation orders can still get complicated, though. It is helpful to seek the counsel of an experienced family law attorney in Ventura who will know your rights as a parent and work to protect them.

At SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, we understand that navigating child custody and visitation issues can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of a divorce or separation. Our experienced Ventura child custody lawyers are dedicated to protecting your parental rights while ensuring the best interests of your child are prioritized.

Whether you are negotiating custody agreements, facing complex disputes, or seeking to modify an existing arrangement, our firm offers compassionate and strategic legal support tailored to your family’s unique needs.

Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to speak with our Ventura child custody lawyers

Our Ventura Child Custody Services

Comprehensive Child Custody Services in Ventura

Legal Custody: Legal custody determines who has the authority to make major decisions about a child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Our Ventura child custody lawyers will advocate for your role in these critical decisions and help mediate or litigate disputes when necessary.
Physical Custody: Physical custody determines where the child lives. Our attorneys work diligently to secure arrangements that promote stability and a positive environment for your child.
Visitation Rights: For non-custodial parents or extended family members, ensuring meaningful visitation rights is essential. Our Ventura visitation lawyers strive to create fair and enforceable visitation schedules that respect the rights of all parties.
Parenting Plans: Parenting plans provide a roadmap for co-parenting responsibilities. Our team helps draft comprehensive plans that address custody schedules, decision-making authority, and conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Custody Modifications: Life changes such as relocation, job changes, or remarriage can necessitate modifications to existing custody orders. We guide you through the process to ensure compliance with California law.
Relocation/Move-Away Cases: When a custodial parent wishes to relocate, it can create significant challenges. Our team helps present compelling arguments to the court, whether you’re seeking permission to relocate or opposing a move.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): We encourage out-of-court resolutions through mediation whenever possible, as it often results in quicker, less adversarial outcomes. However, we are prepared to litigate fiercely if necessary.

How Child Custody/Visitation Orders Are Determined in Ventura

California grants child custody to either one parent or allows each parent to share custody. It is important to note that a judge has the final decision about child custody orders. Still, he/she will typically approve an arrangement the parents have agreed on. If this is not possible, the judge will determine a child custody issue in court.

What are Child Custody Orders

The court will grant a child custody order based on the best interest of the child standard.

Additional factors will aid in the child custody decision-making process, including, but not limited to:

The child’s age
The child’s physical and mental health
The relationship between the child and each parent
Each parent’s ability to care and provide for the child
The child’s accustomed style of living
If one parent has a history of substance or domestic abuse

To understand how child custody orders are determined, you should understand the type of custody orders available: physical and legal custody.

Physical custody

Physical custody refers to where the child will reside and who will provide the child with day-to-day care. Physical custody is either granted as joint, meaning shared between the parents, or sole physical custody, which is granted to one parent.

It is very difficult to split joint custody time exactly half the time with each parent, so it is common for one parent to have more time with the child than the other. This parent is called the primary custodial parent.

If one parent is awarded sole physical custody, the other will usually be granted visitation rights.

Legal custody

Legal custody refers to who will make decisions regarding important elements of the child’s life. These decisions could be related to education, healthcare, religious beliefs/influence, and/or extracurricular activities. A parent can be granted joint or sole legal custody.

Parents who have joint legal custody do not necessarily have to agree on every decision related to their child. However, they should communicate their wants and do their best to cooperate.

Learn more about how our Ventura child custody and visitation lawyer can help you. Call (805) 222-7818 or contact us online today!

Can a Parent Deny Visitation?

For the custodial parent to deny the non-custodial parent visitation, they would need to provide evidence to the court that they pose a threat to the child. Keep in mind, simply not liking how the other parent spends their visitation time is not considered a valid reason to revoke a parent's right.

Can a Child Deny Visitation?

Children cannot deny visitation from the non-custodial parent if the court has made it an official order. However, the court may be sympathetic with teenagers, especially if they have valid reason. The best thing to do with your child who is refusing visitation is to document the incident. Be sure to notify the non-custodial parent immediately and as appropriately as possible.

At What Age Can a Child Decide Which Parent to Live With?

On January 1, 2012, California AB 1050 amended the family code by adding that the judge must also consider the child’s wishes regarding visitation. A child who is at least 14 years of age must be allowed to directly address the court regarding custody and visitation issues, unless the judge finds that it would not be in the child’s best interests to do so, whereby the reasons must be stated on the record.

Finally, the California Legislature has come to its senses in realizing that children are people too. But they are never adults – and should never be treated as such.

How to Prove a Parent Unfit

If you suspect that your divorced spouse is unfit to share custody of your child(ren), then you may request a court order to evaluate this claim. This is a serious claim, as it suggests that he or she puts the child’s well-being at risk. There are several factors that the court will examine when determining someone to be unfit:

What is the level of involvement that the parent has shown in the child’s life?
Are there limit-settings that are age-appropriate? For example, are there restrictions put in place that prohibit the child(ren) from watching R-rated material?
Does the parent have a mental illness that is inhibiting them from carrying out their role as guardian?
How well does the parent communicate with the other parent? Do they handle conflict well?
Is there a current or previous history of substance or alcohol abuse?
Has the parent provided a safe living environment for the child(ren)?

If necessary, the court may have an evaluator step in to observe the parent with the children, or to interview anyone associated with their lives. These interviewees may include teachers, therapists, and others.

Visitation Orders

Visitation orders determine when, where, and how the parents will share time with their child. Visitation orders vary and the court utilizes the same child custody factors mentioned above to define what this time-sharing plan will be.

In California, parents can be granted four different types of visitation orders.

Visitation According to Schedule:

This details times and dates that the child will spend with each parent.

Reasonable Visitation:

These are open-ended orders that can be defined by the parents.

Supervised Visitation:

This order requires that visiting time be supervised by the other spouse or a professional.

No Visitation:

No visitation means visiting time is not granted to a parent as doing so would go against the best interest of the child.

Why Choose SANTO MEHAS?

Experienced Legal Team: With decades of combined experience in family law, we bring deep knowledge and strategic insight to every case.
Personalized Attention: Our Ventura child custody lawyers understand that every family is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit your specific situation.
Child-Focused Representation: Our priority is to achieve outcomes that are in the best interest of your child.
Comprehensive Support: From initial consultations to courtroom representation, we guide you every step of the way.

We understand that no two families are the same. Each case presents its own unique set of challenges, and we take the time to fully understand your situation, goals, and concerns. Our commitment is to help you navigate these challenges with confidence, ensuring your child’s welfare remains at the forefront of every decision.

At SANTO MEHAS, our expertise extends beyond simply handling the legal aspects of child custody and visitation. We aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions for your family. From amicable negotiations and mediation to fiercely advocating for you in court, we are here to support you in securing the best possible outcome.

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Learn more about how our Ventura child custody and visitation lawyer can help you. Call (805) 222-7818 or contact us online today!

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Contact Our Ventura Child Custody & Visitation Attorneys Today

Child custody cases require both legal expertise and compassion. At SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, we are committed to helping families in Ventura find workable solutions that prioritize the well-being of their children.

You want the best for your child. Let us help you with your child custody and visitation orders to ensure you can maintain this standard. Do not hesitate to contact us; here, you are family to us as well.

Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to learn more about our child custody and visitation services.

California Child Custody & Visitation FAQs

Can grandparents seek visitation rights in Ventura?

Yes, California law allows grandparents to request visitation rights if it serves the child’s best interests. Courts evaluate the relationship between the grandparent and the child as well as the family dynamics.

Can a parent with sole custody relocate without the other parent’s permission?

No, the custodial parent typically must seek court approval or obtain the non-custodial parent’s consent before relocating if the move impacts the visitation arrangement.

What happens if a parent violates a custody or visitation order?

Violating a court order can result in legal consequences, including fines, changes to custody arrangements, or even contempt of court charges. It’s essential to address violations through the proper legal channels.

Do I need a lawyer for a child custody case?

While it’s possible to represent yourself, custody cases often involve complex legal and emotional issues. An experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

An Emphasis on Strong Family Values

Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:

Holistic Approach

We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.
Collaboration

Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.
Children Come First

We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
Compassionate Legal Services

We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

Our Satisfied Clients

Real Stories from Real People

“Donna did a great job on my divorce.”
“They kept the case on track, knew which options were optimal, and responded well to my preferences for proceeding.They kept legal bills to a minimum as they worked expertly on my behalf.”

- David
“It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of”
I needed assistance ASAP! I called many firms & I was turned away due to COVID & the emergency of my case. I contacted Donna & Michael & they were there so fast, helped me prep, told me what to expect, what they needed from me & explained the processes. I highly recommend their services but be prepared to go to battle because Donna & Michael will literally go into that battle & win it. I have had great experiences with them as a professional team & know when I need them they are there to help, guide & support. It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of. I appreciate them so much. Thank you.

- Erika
“A+ lawyer!”
It's been a constant struggle with my son's father, before acquiring Ms. Donna Santo as my attorney, I had no chance to show the courts the stress my ex was causing for me and my son. Ms. Santo and her team have helped me exercise my rights as a mother and legally they have put me in a position to ultimately give my son the best life possible. Her staff was extremely professional and helpful. I was very satisfied with the services I received and I would highly recommend her. She is a good listener and she gave me great advice. Ms. Santo went above and beyond to make sure I fully understood the process and responded quickly to emails and voicemails. She is the greatest lawyer ever.

- Jess
“Thank you, Michael, you're a true professional and a very good attorney.”
We had a real legal emergency at our business and Michael Mehas was there to immediately respond to the other side, allowing us to resolve our matter favorably. Thank you, Michael, you're a true professional and a very good attorney, and I would recommend you for any business or other legal matter.

- Judy M.
“I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.”
I am lucky to have had Michael Mehas handle my family law child custody and visitation matter, personal injury, and business and employment matters, and he's the only attorney I've ever used. He's very compassionate in what he does and combines many years of experience with a great understanding of the law. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.

- Molly C.
“Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer”
Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer, along with a very professional staff. I was searching for a lawyer familiar with military law, and Donna was the top of the search!! I needed a divorce attorney, and she has amazing military knowledge. She kept me up to date on everything and if I did not understand something she was very patient and explained in detail, until I completely understood the situation. When it came down to spousal support, a lump sum was not satisfactory, and Donna "fought" for me until I was awarded a lump sum and full monthly spousal support (we did not have children) and now I am able to live comfortably without worrying if I am going to make ends meet. If you need a professional lawyer, whether or not you need military law, consider Donna Santo, you will definitely NOT be disappointed!!

- Kathy
“If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm.”
If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm. After a very sticky situation in court, Donna and Michael came in and saved the day on short notice. Not only are they a very knowledgeable firm but truly care about their clients. They take the time to listen and in turn explain the legal side to bridge the gap in feelings vs law.

- Bonnie V.
“It is my opinion there's no better family law firm, period.”
“I had a very complicated and emotional interstate child custody case on which both Donna Santo and Michael Mehas provided me with expert legal advice to bring the matter to a positive conclusion.”

- Nick C., director of The Notebook

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