Law Offices of John H. Tannenberg, A.P.C.
Experienced Counsel for Child Custody and Visitation Matters in San Diego County
Child custody and visitation are often two of the most contentious and emotional issues in a divorce or post-divorce proceeding. Whether the dispute regards a child sharing plan, which parent should have primary physical custody, or whether, given our mobile society, one parent now wishes to move with the child to another County , State, or Country, having an experienced child custody lawyer at your side is crucial for the protection of your child's best interests and your parental rights. A Certified Family Law Specialist, attorney John H. Tannenberg has been helping men and women resolve their custody and visitation matters for over 30 years.
When you work with us, we will listen carefully to understand your situation and goals, and we will take the time to explain your legal options and help you understand the pros and cons of each. Our goal is to enable you to make important decisions with the confidence of knowing that your short-and long-term interests are safeguarded.
For a free one half-hour telephone consultation, call us at 619-894-8251, toll-free 1-888-312-3408, or contact us online.
Resolving Child Custody Disputes
In resolving contested custody issues, California law requires the parties to go through an initial mediation process, either with a private mediator or through Family Court Services (FCS). San Diego is a reporting county, meaning your discussion with the mediator is not confidential. The mediator prepares a written report and recommendations which is then provided to both parties, their counsel, and the Judge who will consider the report and its recommendations in making child custody orders.
Our firm encourages parties, where possible, to consider the alternate dispute resolution process to resolve their custody and support issues. In choosing alternate dispute resolution, the client can often avoid the public scrutiny that comes with Court ordered mediation and litigation. Moreover, this option is generally less expensive, stressful and time-consuming. It gives the parties more control over custody arrangements, allowing them to tailor their plans to fit their unique needs and those of their children.
Different Types of Custody
In California there are various types of custodial arrangements. Joint Legal Custody means that both parents share decision-making responsibilities regarding their children's health, education and welfare. Physical Custody means the parent in whose home the child is primarily residing, or the parent who generally makes the day-to-day decisions that affect the child's life. Physical custody, can be joint or sole. In either case a child sharing plan needs to be developed that is in the best interests of the child.
Shaping a Child-Sharing or Visitation Arrangement
In developing a custody or visitation plan, we work with our clients to examine and analyze the following issues in the context of what is in the child's best interests:
- The time spent with your child and your parental responsibilities exercised during the marriage and since separation;
- Possible parenting problems needing to be addressed;
- Your child's age, grade, learning issues, and relationship with peers;
- If old enough, your child's preferences;
- Whether you child has any educational, medical or other special needs;
- Issues of abuse, drugs, alcohol or domestic violence;
- Parent's work schedules and child's extra curricular activities.
- Whether there is a Move-Away issue.
Contact Us
We invite you to contact our office to discuss your child custody or visitation concerns. For a free one half-hour telephone consultation, call us at 619-894-8251, toll-free 1-888-312-3408. You may also contact us online.
