Best Interests of Children in Custody Cases

Orange County Child Custody Attorney

If you have made the decision to file for divorce and you and your spouse cannot work together amicably, you may end up leaving important decisions like custody agreements up to the court. Although you have less control over the outcome of your case when this happens, an Orange County child custody lawyer from The Law Offices of W. Douglas McKeague can fight to ensure that your best interests are protected.

The courts typically favor a joint custody arrangement, allowing both parents to share in the responsibility of raising their child, but that does not mean that you should attempt to navigate this process on your own; it is imperative that you retain the help of a seasoned OC family law attorney.

Determining Custody in CA

When making a decision regarding the custody of a minor child, the court is required to take several different factors into consideration—among which include the parents' ability to provide a stable home environment for the child, the emotional bond between each parent and the child, the emotional and mental health of both parents, and more. More importantly, however, the best interest of the child should be given primary consideration.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in California?

In California, the law does not show preference to any parent in a custody case. Judges decide custody and visitation based on what is best for a child. The court will consider:

• The physical health of the child
• The emotional bond between both parents and child
• Parent's ability to care for the child
• Any history containing domestic violence or substance abuse

Trust in an OC Divorce Firm with More Than 35 Years of Experience

The Law Offices of W. Douglas McKeague has been assisting clients throughout Orange County, CA since 1981. For this reason, you can trust that your case will be in capable hands when you turn to our firm for help with your child custody matters. Whether you are interested in seeking sole custody of your child, or you would like to ensure that the court hands down a fair and equitable custody arrangement, our firm is well-equipped to help.