Reasons the Court Will Award Sole Custody
There are some reasons where the court will automatically award sole custody to a parent without that parent having to prove why they deserve sole custody. Those reasons include the following:
- The other parent has made false allegations of abuse
- The other parent has committed child abuse
- The other parent has committed domestic abuse
- The other parent emotionally abuses the child
- The other parent has a substance abuse issue that they have ignored
- The other parent has never cared for the child
- The other parent is a flight risk
What Does the Court Look For in a Sole Custody Case?
In order to convince the courts in California to award sole custody, you will need to prove that you having sole custody is in the best interests of the child. While this can be extremely vague, there are things you can prove to the court to make the ruling go in your favor.
If you can show the California family law court that you have spent 90 percent of the time with the child, providing the majority of care, the court will typically lean in that direction when making its ruling. If the child is 14 or older, it might ask your child who he or she prefers to live with moving forward. The judge might not go with this request, but will strongly consider it.
How a Lawyer Can Help in Your Quest for Sole Custody?
When you decide it’s time to seek sole custody of your child in California, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced family law attorney. The investment will be worth it for the sheer knowledge of the law and the know-how of the family law courts the attorney has. Below, you will find some signs that it’s time to hire a family law attorney:
- The other parent has hired a lawyer
- The other parent prevents you from seeing the child
- You have a fear that your child is in danger
- You are unfamiliar with family law
- The other parent has changed their mind when it comes to a custody agreement
Call a Westlake Village Sole Custody Attorney Today
Do you have questions about obtaining sole custody of your child in California? If so, it’s time to speak with an experienced and trusted Westlake Village sole custody attorney from the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch. Call our office at 818-237-4574, or complete the contact form online to schedule a consultation today.
