Do You Need a Parenting Time Attorney in the Los Angeles Area?
Parenting time, which implies your legal right to see and be with your children, can be a delicate matter. Whether you have sole or shared child custody, California law recognizes that an ongoing connection with both parents is in the child’s best interests. Therefore, the courts recommend that parents work together in creating a parenting plan to satisfy their child’s needs, even after they divorce.
Here, we will consider what to keep in mind when creating a parenting plan and how a parenting time attorney can be of assistance during this time.
Developing a Parenting Plan
In a parenting plan, the parents will establish when each parent spends time with their children and how they will make choices about their daily life. Here are some of the things that should be considered when developing a parenting plan:
- Make certain that your children’s essential needs are satisfied
- Keeping your child’s life and routines consistent
- Deciding how to approach special occasions
- Maintaining constant communication about scheduling
- Maintaining open communication about transportation expenses
- Taking into account the child’s medical requirements
Should the Child’s Preferences Be Considered?
Recently, a child’s preferences have become a significant issue in determining parenting time. State law requires the court to give weight to the child’s expressed wishes, and if the child is 14 or older, they should be allowed to address the court about their preferences.
Even though California allows courts to consider a child’s parenting preferences, the court retains final decision-making authority. The court is not required to comply with the child’s wishes or to follow them precisely as the child desires.
Can a Parenting Time Agreement Be Modified?
There are several reasons why parenting time and visitation arrangements may be modified. Parents may relocate, experience a change in scheduling or employment, or they may remarry. Changes may also occur with the children, which results in their need to spend more time with the other parent.
Parents often revisit their parenting time agreement every two to three years. If they can agree on the proposed adjustments, they may form an agreement and present it to the court. Parents who cannot agree must petition the court for a modification.
Contact a Parenting Time Attorney in the Los Angeles Area
The Berman Law Group’s skilled legal team can assist you in establishing a parenting coordination agreement that works best for what your family requires. Our family law specialists will work with you to determine your specific present and long-term needs, evaluate your legal choices and create a tailored plan to achieve your goals. Call us at (310) 788-3837 if you have any concerns regarding parenting time.
We serve Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and the surrounding Greater Los Angeles neighborhoods.