Custody and Visitation Rights Services

Child custody and visitation matters are sensitive and impactful aspects of family law. At Inglis Family Law Firm, we understand that your children’s well-being is your top priority, and we are here to support you in establishing a custody and visitation plan that reflects their best interests and respects your role as a parent. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing clear, pragmatic guidance, helping you navigate custody issues with a focus on achieving stability and security for your family.

Understanding Custody and Visitation Rights

In California, child custody and visitation arrangements are based on the principle of “the best interests of the child.” Courts seek to create a balanced arrangement that fosters a child’s safety, stability, and development. There are two primary types of custody that parents need to consider:

Legal Custody: This grants parents the right to make significant decisions about the child’s health, education, and general welfare. Legal custody can be shared (joint) or awarded solely to one parent (sole).

Physical Custody: This determines where the child will primarily live. Physical custody can also be joint or sole, depending on what arrangement serves the child best.

Visitation rights, often referred to as "parenting time," are structured plans that outline when the non-custodial parent will spend time with the child. Courts typically encourage both parents to maintain an active role in their child’s life, except in cases where safety is a concern.

Types of Custody Arrangements

Inglis Family Law Firm works with clients to create personalized custody and visitation arrangements that meet the needs of both parents and children. Common types of custody arrangements include:

Joint Legal and Physical Custody: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities and physical time with the child. This arrangement encourages collaboration and equal involvement in the child’s life.

Sole Physical Custody with Joint Legal Custody: One parent serves as the primary physical custodian, while both parents share legal responsibilities. This arrangement is suitable when one home provides a more stable environment but both parents wish to be involved in decision-making.

Sole Custody: One parent has both legal and physical custody, while the other parent receives limited or supervised visitation. This arrangement is often used in cases where the non-custodial parent’s involvement poses risks to the child’s safety.

Each case is unique, and our firm takes the time to understand your goals and circumstances to help you establish a custody plan that works for your family’s specific needs.

Factors Considered in Custody Determinations

California courts consider several factors when deciding custody and visitation arrangements, including:

The Child’s Age and Health: Younger children may benefit from routines that support stability, while older children may express preferences on visitation schedules.
Emotional Bonds: Courts evaluate the strength of the child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other family members to ensure their well-being is protected.
Parental Capability: The ability of each parent to provide a safe, nurturing environment plays a key role in custody decisions.
Co-Parenting Ability: Courts look at each parent’s willingness to support a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
Child’s Preference: In some cases, the court may consider a child’s preference if they are mature enough to express a reasoned opinion.
History of Abuse or Neglect: Courts take allegations of abuse or neglect very seriously and may restrict or deny custody or visitation rights if a parent poses a risk to the child.

Inglis Family Law Firm is committed to building a case that clearly presents your strengths as a parent and advocates for an arrangement that prioritizes your child’s best interests.

Creating a Parenting Plan

A well-crafted parenting plan is essential for avoiding future conflicts and establishing clear expectations. Our team helps clients design parenting plans that address all essential aspects of custody and visitation, including:

Holiday and Vacation Schedules: Arrangements for holidays, summer vacations, and other special occasions that consider both parents’ availability and the child’s needs.

Daily Schedules: Outlining routines for school days, weekends, and extracurricular activities to provide structure and stability.

Decision-Making Protocols: Guidelines for making major decisions related to health, education, and extracurricular activities.

Communication Methods: Establishing how and when each parent will communicate with the child and each other to foster effective co-parenting.

We work closely with you to develop a parenting plan that is realistic, comprehensive, and fully aligned with your family’s unique dynamics.

Modifying Custody and Visitation Agreements

Family circumstances can change, and custody and visitation agreements may need modification over time. Whether due to a job relocation, changes in a child’s needs, or other factors, our firm assists clients in filing for modifications to existing custody orders. We help ensure that any requested changes are presented with clarity and strong supporting evidence, focusing on securing an updated arrangement that continues to serve the child’s best interests.

Why Work with Inglis Family Law Firm?

Choosing Inglis Family Law Firm for your custody and visitation matters means partnering with a firm that is both deeply experienced and genuinely compassionate. We know that custody cases are highly personal and often challenging, and we provide steady, informed support to help you navigate each step of the process. Here’s what sets us apart:

Experienced Advocacy: With over 15 years of family law experience, our firm understands California’s custody laws and is skilled in presenting cases that highlight the strengths of our clients.
Personalized, Client-Focused Approach: Every family is unique, and we tailor our approach to reflect the specific needs, goals, and
values of each client. We take time to listen, answer questions, and provide clear guidance.
Commitment to Your Child’s Well-Being: Our primary goal is to create a custody and visitation plan that supports your child’s stability and happiness. We prioritize practical, child-centered solutions that support their growth and development.

Taking the Next Step

Navigating child custody and visitation can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Inglis Family Law Firm is here to provide the professional guidance and dedicated advocacy you need to secure a fair and effective custody arrangement. Whether you’re just beginning the custody process or seeking modifications to an existing order, we are committed to supporting you with expertise and compassion every step of the way.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to discuss your custody and visitation needs, reach out to Inglis Family Law Firm to schedule a consultation. Let us help you build a stable, positive future for your family with a custody plan that serves your child’s best interests and respects your role as a parent.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Contact Info

(661)-200-3845

25129 The Old Road, Suite 201

Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381