Child Custody & Visitation

Riverside Child Custody Attorneys

Issues relating to child custody and visitation are among the most contentious and emotionally charged concerns in divorce and paternity cases. Custody lawyer Heather Cullen and the legal staff at the Law Office of Heather M. Cullen have extensive experience helping clients resolve custody disputes, resulting in child custody and visitation orders that reflect our client's position while maintaining the best interest of the child. Additionally, child custody arrangements have financial consequences and can affect child support determinations.

At our Riverside law firm, we educate clients about the rights and options available under California custody laws. For example, a parent may be awarded legal and/or physical custody of his/her child. Sole legal custody means that only one parent can solely make decisions about the education, medical needs and welfare of a child. Joint legal custody means that both parents must be involved in such decisions. Primary physical custody is awarded to the parent with whom the child lives the majority of the time. Secondary physical custody with visitation rights is given to the other parent. The variations on custody awards are endless. To determine which one will work for you and your children, contact the Law Offices of Heather M. Cullen. If you have questions about custody, it is important to get them resolved quickly.

In California, mediation is mandatory in cases of disputes over child custody or visitation determinations. The goal of mediation is to protect children from acrimonious litigation. Our role is to prepare our clients for mediation in order to represent their own interests and those of their children effectively. We teach our clients about the effect of mediation on children, while counseling our clients about protecting their children from animosity between the parents.

In highly litigated custody cases when the child is old enough to have his or her wishes in the matter taken into account, we will assist in allowing the child to be heard (usually through the assistance of a mediator who can voice the child's wishes to the court). In each instance, we try to minimize disruption and stress to the children involved.

A child custody award involves determining which parent has legal custody and which parent has physical custody. In some cases, the court will require expert assistance in making this determination. Our law firm represents clients during all such investigations. Two types of such investigations are outlined below:

First, a psychological evaluation of the parties and child by a psychologist or other court-approved qualified expert can be ordered by the court to determine what custody/visitation order would be in the best interest of the child. This type of order is commonly referred to as a 730 evaluation because it is ordered pursuant to California Evidence Code section 730.

Second, another type of order is commonly referred to as a "3111." A 3111 evaluation is an evaluation performed by a qualified evaluator (usually employed by the court) and is ordered under California Family Code section 3111. The 3111 involves interviews of parties, third parties, and their respective living arrangements to determine the custody and visitation order that is in the best interest of the child.

Additionally, if the family is dealing with drug use, alcohol abuse, mental illness, or domestic violence, these issues can be determining factors in child placement decisions, and, for the good of all family members, it is essential that they be accurately assessed.

We offer fair and effective representation designed to serve the best interests of children and to protect our clients. If you are concerned about your children's well-being because of a custody or visitation dispute, we invite you to contact our Riverside law firm today. We can help.