How to Get Full Custody of a Child as a Mother in Fresno, CA?

For most people, children are their pride and joy. Sharing memories and experiences can bring plenty of smiles. Unfortunately, parents don’t always want to share the same memories with each other. Relationship complications can leave parents fighting for custody of their children. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering how to get full custody of a child as a mother in Fresno, California. With the help of a family law lawyer, you can find some clarity.

How to Get Full Custody of a Child as a Mother in Fresno, CA?

Approximately 4% of parents in the United States are custodial parents, all of whom have had to make decisions regarding a legal custody agreement. In accordance with child custody laws, the court system of California assigns legal and/or physical custody to parents based on multiple factors, but these two types of custodial care are the primary styles of custody.

Parents who have been granted legal custody are legally given access to decision-making power, meaning that they have the right to make decisions, like where the child goes to school, whether or not they have a specific religious upbringing, how their healthcare is managed, and even more.

When a parent has physical custody, it means that the parent has the right to spend time with their child. Parents who lack legal custody, however, are not entitled to make major life decisions.

Courts usually encourage parents to share custody of their children. There are some situations that could make it possible for the parents to pursue joint custody, as one or both parents may be deemed unfit for such an arrangement. Domestic abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, drug use, past convictions, and unstable home life are all examples of lifestyles that could lead to the court granting sole legal, and sometimes even physical, custody to one parent over the other.

If you are trying to get sole custody of your child, the first thing you should do is hire a child custody lawyer in Fresno. You are not legally required to do so, but many individuals have found that having a skilled legal representative can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your case. Once you have hired a lawyer, follow these steps:

• File a petition. Filing a petition is basically your way of letting the court and all additional parties know that you are requesting full custody of your child.
• Gather relevant evidence. To achieve success in your case, you will need to prove that your former spouse or partner is unsafe for your child to be around. This way, you can show that you should have full custody to protect the overall welfare of your child. Evidence can include police reports, medical documents, videos, testimonials, pictures, recorded phone calls, texts, and any other information crucial to proving that your child’s safety is at risk with their other parent.
• Emphasize your child’s interests. The California court system, like all loving parents, is most concerned about what is in the interest of your child. When you present your evidence and plead your case, it is important that you emphasize your child’s need to be removed from their other parent’s custody.
• Partake in your court hearing. The final step is to participate in your assigned court hearing, where a judge will listen to your testimony, review the evidence, and come to a decision they determine to be in accordance with what is healthiest for your child.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

There are many reasons why hiring a child custody lawyer can prove to be incredibly helpful. A child custody lawyer in Fresno can help navigate the following:

• Negotiating with the other parent. A child custody lawyer can help prevent your interactions with the other parent from unproductively stalling by serving as a third-party representative and keeping discussions proactive instead of problematic.
• Your child’s safety. Parental abductions are currently the leading kind of kidnapping in the state of California. If you are worried that filing for sole custody may lead to a kidnapping attempt from your child’s other parent, alert your lawyer immediately.
• Involving a courthouse. Your lawyer can schedule with the Fresno County Superior Court as needed.
• Getting any additional questions answered. To get your questions answered, hire Chase Family Law. If you are feeling confused, overwhelmed, or unaware of where to start, our child custody attorney can help.

These are just a few of the ways in which a child custody lawyer can help your case.

FAQs

Q: How Can I Get Full Custody of My Child as a Mother in Fresno, California?

A: While each case is unique, the smartest way to pursue sole custody in Fresno is to follow specific steps. These include hiring a child custody lawyer, filing a petition to seek sole custody of your child, gathering evidence relevant to your case, working to prove that having sole custody is in the child’s interests, and attending your court hearing. These steps are important for any parent seeking to gain custody of their child, as the law does not favor one parent or the other based on gender.

Q: What Kind of Evidence Should I Use in My Custody Case?

A: The most compelling kind of evidence you can use in your custody case is anything that shows a judge that the child’s best interest aligns with you having sole custody. This can be shown through testimonies, medical documents, police reports, lists of past convictions, and evidence of abuse or neglect.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

A: The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer tends to vary based on how long your case lasts, as well as how complicated it is. Chase Family Law can help you in your pursuit of sole custody, making your expenditures seem worthy as you work toward achieving your desired outcomes.

Q: What Are the Grounds for Full Custody of a Child in California?

A: If you are concerned that your child is unsafe with their other parent and have developed a case to show this to be true in a court of law, then you have what you need to pursue a sole custody case. The safety of your child is of the utmost importance, and at Chase Family Law, we are ready to do everything we can to help you prove that they are safest with you.

Get More Information Today

You do not need to face your child custody case alone. Contact Chase Family Law, and let us help you begin building a healthier family plan today. Get the help that you deserve.