San Diego Custody Attorneys

Oceanside Divorce Attorneys: Child Custody Disputes

One of the most complicated steps in many divorces is determining primary custody, visitation schedules, and other issues related to caring for children. Although everyone agrees that arrangements should be made in the children’s best interests, divorcing spouses often have very different ideas about what that means. California courts work to protect children’s rights by mandating a mediation process for all divorcing parents.

The Mediation Program

The child custody mediation program is provided free of charge. The basic steps are:

• Divorcing parents will meet with a court-appointed mediator to discuss custody arrangements.
• If the parents are unable to find a mutually agreeable solution, the mediator will prepare a report for the judge. This report will outline the common ground between the parents and the issues that still need to be resolved.
• The judge will develop a custody plan based on each parent’s circumstances and ability to provide for their children.

How an Oceanside Family Lawyer Can Help

Your attorney will not be allowed to attend the mediation sessions. This does not mean that we cannot be of service during this process. To see the outcome you would like, you need to present yourself in a professional and well informed manner.

Our attorneys can inform you of your legal rights and responsibilities, prepare you for mediation sessions, and describe what you can expect during this difficult process. We can also assist you with other areas of your divorce, such as division of property and post-nuptial agreements.

Contact Us

To speak with an experienced Oceanside child custody lawyer, contact the offices of Fischer & Van Thiel at 760-722-7646.