Providing Divorce Services For Parents

Nothing is more important than your children. When you are embroiled in a divorce, seeking resolutions for child custody is likely one of your primary concerns. Most California judges understand that keeping both parents in the child’s life benefits everyone in the family. However, if your ex-spouse has defamed you or is trying to keep you out of the picture, you might need extra support from skilled custody lawyers.

Your child custody attorney can help ensure you have access to all the parental rights you are owed. They can negotiate fair agreements that meet both parents’ needs regarding physical and legal custody. They can also provide emotional support as you navigate this difficult time.

If you are involved in or anticipate a child custody dispute, call the lawyers at the law firm of Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian immediately. We have over 75 years of combined experience handling all aspects of child guardianship issues, including visitation, decision-making, modifications, emergency issues, and enforcement. You can trust us to handle your case with respect and care. Call 559-545-0383 to schedule a free consultation with our skilled legal team.

What Do Fresno Child Custody Lawyers Do?

Child custody attorneys like those at our family law firm represent clients going through divorce or separation proceedings. When a couple divorces, many critical decisions must be made, including where the children will live, how visitation arrangements will look, and who will retain legal decision-making powers. Often, these parental rights are divided equally between parents. However, child custody matters can be complicated and divisive. A lawyer represents the interests of one parent and helps negotiate appropriate solutions.

With the help of our skilled family law attorneys, divorcing couples can sometimes work out their custody issues in a collaborative law setting without the need for a courtroom trial before a judge. We offer divorcing couples that option through the Collaborative Law Practice Group. In other divorces, guardianship and visitation are bitterly contested, and a hearing will be required. In those cases, we will fight aggressively for you and your children. For over two decades, we have diligently represented the rights and best interests of the children involved in divorce.

When you hire our attorneys, you can rest assured that we will defend your interests no matter what issues arise. Our lawyers will fight valiantly in negotiations and in court if necessary. Don’t take any risks with your precious family relationships on the line. Call today for a free initial case consultation.

What Is the Difference Between Physical and Legal Custody Under California Law?

In Fresno, California, parental rights are divided into two categories: physical and legal custody. Understanding both areas is essential so the divorcing parent can ensure they have all the rights they are owed regarding raising their child.

Physical Custody

Rights to physical custody of children are what most people think of when they hear about child custody cases. These rights refer to being able to live with your children. Some issues a judge may consider when deciding who to assign physical custody include where the child attends school, where their activities take place, and the child’s wishes. If there is evidence of domestic violence, one parent may be awarded sole physical custody. In an ideal family situation, both parents would share physical custody.

Legal Custody

Legal custody is the right to make important decisions regarding a child’s upbringing. For example, a parent with legal custody can choose how the child is schooled, how to handle their religious upbringing, and how to handle medical issues. Ideally, both parents would cooperate to develop a parenting plan that meets the child’s needs and allows both parents to remain an influence in the child’s life.

For legal counsel on maintaining your parental rights after ending a marriage, reach out to our law offices immediately. We will fight aggressively for you to be a part of your child’s life by retaining physical and legal custody.

What Decisions Must Be Made During a Divorce in Fresno County?

When marriages and domestic partnerships end, the children often bear the brunt of the suffering. Judges and responsible parents should try to resolve conflicts quickly so the family can move on with their lives. This includes resolving critical matters, including child custody. A family law attorney can help this process go quicker and more smoothly.

Some other decisions that must be resolved in order to finalize a divorce in Fresno, CA, include:

• Spousal support – One divorcing spouse may be assigned spousal support payments, also known as alimony. These payments provide a standard of living similar to what the couple enjoyed during the marriage and are critical for spouses who are not prepared or able to enter the work field.
• Child custody – The couple must decide how to handle living arrangements for their child, including where the child will live and who will be responsible for critical decisions like schooling, religion, healthcare, and more.
• Child support – Typically, one spouse is responsible for paying child support after a divorce. The paying parent usually earns a better living and may spend less time having the child live with them.
• Division of the marital property- Another contentious point is how to divide the assets that the couple shared during the marriage.

For help resolving these and other conflicts that arise during divorce, please reach out to our family law lawyers right away. We can save you time and money by reaching solutions without going to court. However, if litigation becomes necessary in your divorce, we are prepared to represent you with confidence and get the best results possible in your unique case.

What Is the Difference Between Joint vs. Sole Custody in California?

One of the most common points of contention in family law cases revolves around whether one or both parents should retain custody of the children. Judges try to find solutions that match the best interest of the child while respecting the desires of the child and parents. When finalizing custody arrangements, the parents and judge must determine whether to use joint custody or sole custody. Joint custody refers to both parents sharing the responsibility of raising the child. In sole custody arrangements, one parent retains the duties of housing and decision-making.

California courts begin by presuming that joint guardianship is preferable in most cases. Still, sole custody will always be granted if a court determines it is in the child’s best interests. Even when a single parent is granted custody, the noncustodial parent will usually receive visitation privileges. However, the court may impose child support and requirement for visits to be supervised by a state agency or another responsible party. The court will also decide who has the right to make final decisions about a child’s education, medical care, religious teaching, and other important decisions.

If you need help establishing your parental rights to visit, care for, and make decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, you need skilled custody attorneys who will fight for you. The legal team at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian can help. We will build a strong case to support your desire to sustain a lifelong relationship with your child. We can also help you seek visitation rights, child support payments, and other factors that can provide a better life for you and your children.

Should You Hire Our Child Custody Lawyers in Fresno?

Hiring the right lawyer for your family law matter is crucial. These decisions will directly affect your life and relationships, sometimes permanently. You can trust our legal team to stand by your side and offer excellent legal counsel at every step of the process. We will leverage our decades of experience to get you the best results possible in your child custody case.

Our experienced divorce attorneys maintain flexible hours to meet our clients’ scheduling needs, and we return every client call promptly. Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian serves clients in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kingsburg, and Hanford counties. Our staff speaks Spanish and French, so don’t let a language barrier keep you from the legal help you need.

If you are dealing with any matter related to divorce or child custody, call the child custody lawyers of Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian today at 559-545-0383 or contact us online to set up an initial consultation.