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Certified Family Law Specialist in Orange County
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Child Custody

Irvine Child Custody Lawyer

Providing Strong Representation in Orange County, CA

A Certified Family Law Specialist by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, Child Custody Attorney Amy Neshanian has nearly two decades of experience providing skilled legal counsel and representation to clients seeking or fighting legal or physical custody of their children. Dedicated solely to the practice of family law and divorce-related issues, Attorney Amy Neshanian fights to preserve and protect her client's best interests. She has successfully represented clients in countless child custody matters in Irvine.

At The Neshanian Law Firm, Inc, we believe in providing personalized representation. When you work with us, our team will review your matter's circumstances, discuss your objectives, and provide in-depth case analysis and various legal strategies. We can educate you concerning your choices, including the pros and cons of each, and ensure that you have the information needed to make intelligent decisions.

When you find yourself in the center of a child custody case, please contact our custody attorney in Orange County. Our Irvine attorney Amy Neshanian is ready to help.

Child Custody Laws in Orange County, CA

 Under California law, there are two categories of child custody: Legal and physical. The courts favor joint legal custody, defined as both parents having the right to decide on minor children's health, education, and welfare. However, California laws concerning 50-50 custody do not necessarily mean that parents will split parenting time equally or "50-50" to be considered a joint physical custody arrangement.

Judges may grant sole legal custody upon a showing of good cause that sharing legal custody would be against the children's best interests.

Physical custody determines which parent will be the primary residential custodian of the children. Even in situations where the parents reside within a reasonable distance that would allow for a 50/50 parental timeshare, the court may request that the parties institute a comprehensive parenting plan.

We represent clients in a broad variety of custody matters, including:

  • Legal custody
  • Physical custody
  • Custody disputes
  • Custody settlement negotiations
  • Modification of child custody based on a change in circumstances

An experienced mediator and negotiator in Irvine, child custody attorney Amy Neshanian encourage couples who can sit down with each other and their lawyers to enter into settlement negotiations to address current and potential areas of controversy and resolve their disputes by working together.

However, suppose settlement negotiations fall through, or the parties cannot set aside their differences to fully engage in the process. In that case, Family Law Attorney Amy Neshanian is an effective litigator. She knows how to pursue the most favorable results possible in court.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases?

A judge will evaluate every child custody case by carefully looking at some critical essential factors. While a child’s wishes are also important and will be considered, the judge must also consider the factors that can best help the child grow and thrive in their custody arrangement.

Some of the factors that a judge uses to consider custody cases:

  • The child’s age
  • The child’s personal preferences
  • Each parent’s respective living situation
  • Each parent’s relationship with the child prior to divorce
  • How parents communicate with one another
  • A history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence

Also, a judge might consider how best to keep the child’s situation from changing too drastically in the interest of consistency and stability. For example, the child may feel safer and more comfortable with their living situation because it is close to their school or friends and after-school activities. There is an understanding that the time after divorce can be theatrical and traumatizing for a child, so it may be considered whether or not such a significant change may be helpful or harmful for the child’s well-being.

Does It Matter Who Files for Custody First in California?

No, it does not matter who files for custody first in California. The court will consider all of the factors involved in the case, including the child's wishes, the parents' parenting abilities, and the stability of the parent's homes when making a custody decision.

The California court will not favor the parent who files first. Instead, the court will decide based on what is in the child's best interests.

It is crucial to speak with an experienced Irvine family law attorney. An Irvine lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options and can represent you in court in California.

Contact The Neshanian Law Firm, Inc for an In-Depth Consultation

Although our family law firm is located in Irvine, at The Neshanian Law Firm, Inc, we are pleased to offer representation to clients throughout Orange County and the surrounding communities. We also offer free 15 minute phone consultations.

Contact us at (949) 577-7935 for efficient, highly effective representation.

Client Experiences

"I could write a book on why Amy Neshanian deserves MORE than 5 stars but I will save the time and say that she is worth every penny."

- Kimberly T.

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  • Aggressive Representation
    We are committed to protecting your families best interest & will go to court to fight for you.
  • Client Focused
    We make our clients our priority and ensure they get the personalized attention they need.
  • Certified
    Attorney Amy Neshanian is a Certified Family Law Specialist & exclusively devotes her practice to helping families.
  • Experience
    Our Attorneys have over 45 years of combined experience in handling family law matters.