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Types of Child Custody You Need To Know

Divorce is a very sensitive matter, and when children are involved in a divorce, there may be an impact on their emotional and mental health. Therefore, it becomes important for both parents to deal with this matter with the utmost care and consciousness. So, if you’re a divorcing couple and wish to learn more about the process of child custody, continue reading.

Types of Child Custody

There are two different types of custody. The following are:

1. Physical custody

a. Joint

b. Sole

2. Legal custody

a. Joint

b. Sole legal

Let’s learn about both custodies in detail.

  1. Physical custody

Physical custody helps in determining what percentage of time the child lives with each parent.

Factors The Court May Consider When Awarding Physical Custody

  • Which child is going to school?
  • Where is the child currently living?
  • Which parent is more attentive to the child’s physical, emotional, educational, and special needs?
  • Which parent has spent more time with the child?

2. Legal custody

Legal custody gives more rights to one parent to make major decisions about their child’s:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Religious Upbringing
  • Doctor, Dentist, Orthodontist, or Other Healthcare Professionals (except in emergency situations)
  • Sports, Summer Camps
  • Travel and Vacation
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Residence

In addition, in legal custody, either parent can decide alone; both parents do not have to agree on every decision about these aspects of their children’s lives. But to avoid ending up back in court and having more conflicts, it is suggested that both parents should communicate with each other and cooperate in making decisions together for the wellbeing of their children.

The Bottom Line

For a comprehensive overview of the child custody and visitation process, contact the team at Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates. We are well-versed in California laws and will work directly with you to reach your desired results. Contact our firm today at (949) 951-9529 or visit our website for further information.

4 Benefits of Getting a Restraining Order

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Certain events in life can be traumatizing for people, like abuse, being stalked and threatened, or personal property damage. For events such as this, the victim can file a restraining order against the abuser. The law will ensure that the perpetrator does not come into contact with the victim by any means, not even calls or texts. Any sort of contact initiated by the perpetrator is seen as a violation of the law and they can be fined and sent to jail depending on the severity of the transgression. The following are four benefits of getting a restraining order if you feel unsafe with someone.

  • You can request a restraining order for free through a civil court.  

Courts are quick to give out restraining orders under valid terms and conditions. One can request a restraining order against someone who has been abusing or threatening him or her. It is free of charge and can be approved in a day at most to take effect.

  • A restraining order will prevent the abuser from coming to your workplace.

Having the thought that you are unsafe at your workplace is quite distressing. A restraining order stops your abuser from coming to your workplace. To make yourself secure, obtain a restraining order and work in peace knowing that you are protected by the law against a certain person.

  • A restraining order shuts down all means of contact for the perpetrator.

With a restraining order, you are not only safe from their in-person presence, but they cannot reach you online on any platform, neither calls nor texts or emails. The court goes above and beyond with its restrictions on mail as well.

  • You are entitled to keep your personal information private.

If you think that a restraining order might reveal your new address or other personal information to the perpetrator, you can easily opt for your information to be kept private. This way, you and your personal whereabouts are safe.

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Conclusion

 The paperwork and procedures of the restraining order might look complicated but with the help of a lawyer, you can file for one. You deserve to have justice and feel safe. Whether you have been a victim of stalking or unjustly accused of breaking a restraining order, Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates can fight for you. Our services include family law, trust law, bankruptcy law, and more. Give us a call at (949) 951-9529 to schedule an appointment with us. Visit our website for more information.   

Reversing a Legal Separation

The process for a legal separation is essentially the same as for a divorce, but with the option for it to be reversed. Unlike divorced couples, legally separated couples can reconcile their differences in court, re-enter the marriage, and return to joint status. Below, we discuss the required steps for couples hoping to reverse a legal separation in the state of California.

Step 1

The most important factor in reentering a marriage following a separation is that both spouses agree on doing so. Ideally the couple will have since resolved some or all of the major matters that initially lead to the separation.

Step 2

With your written Order of Legal Separation in hand, couples can draft a motion to Vacate Order of Legal Separation. This document is essentially the formal document needed to ask the court to review their request.

Step 3

One a motion has been drafted, the court will require you to draft an official Order to Vacate Order of Legal Separation. This is the second step in confirming with the court that you wish to be remarried.

Step 4

The final step is to file the Motion and Order to Vacate with the clerk of the family court where the legal separation was initially filed. Be sure to include a copy of the original Order of Legal Separation at the time of filing and keep in mind that there is typically a filing fee due at the time of filing, which must be paid before the motion will be accepted.

Final Thoughts

Southern California residents seeking to reverse their legal separation can trust that Richard E. Young Family & Associates will get the job done as quickly and thoroughly as possible. We will help you legally resolve any and all issues in family court including custody, child and spousal support, property division, separate and community property characterizations and disputes, business valuations and division and more!

Legal Separation vs. Divorce

When married couples find themselves at a crossroads it’s often a choice between separation and divorce. What separates these legal processes can be confusing and most couples are often left with more questions than answers. In this month’s blog, we define and clearly distinguish the similarities and differences between filing for legal separation vs filing for divorce in California.

Definitions

A legal separation is defined as an ordered agreement in which married couples have legally defined boundaries and responsibilities. This is often a three to four month process that couples take prior to filing for an official divorce sometimes due to financial or religious reasons, or because it was required by a judge. A separation can be reversed in court upon all parties’ agreement in the decision.

Divorce is the irreversible legal dissolution of a marriage in court. This process will take at least six months of hearings, negotiations, and court ordered agreements before it will be finalized by a judge and made permanent.

The Similarities

It is not necessary for both spouses to agree to end a marriage when separating or divorcing. In California, couples filing for these processes also do not have to prove that there was a ‘fault’ by either spouse that lead to the decision.

Throughout both of these processes couples will have to agree on the terms of child custody and support, alimony, child visitation, attorney’s fees, and the division of assets or property. So essentially, the settlement agreement in a legal separation is almost identical to a divorce settlement agreement.

The Major Differences

The main difference between legal separation and divorce is that when a legal separation is finalized, the parties do not revert to “single person” status. This is important to note for taxes and health insurance reasons. Ultimately, the most notable difference between legal separation and divorce is that divorce is final.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you know is preparing for divorce or legal separation in Southern California, it’s crucial that obtaining a lawyer comes first and foremost. When choosing Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates as your counsel you will benefit from decades of industry experience combined with a reputation for honesty and success. Visit our website or call us today at (949) 951-9529 for your free initial consultation.

How to Get Your Restraining Order

The night was still young as Chelsea started walking back from her friend’s house. The crisp breeze pinched her skin as she paced through the dimly lit neighborhood. Chelsea confidently strolled to her home, knowing she did this all the time. Looking at the familiar street sign, she casually crossed the street to her loving home. Oblivious to her surroundings, a boy from her school was following her every move. Before she could step into her house, he approached her. Chelsea started to shudder with fear because this was the fifth time he did this at night. Immediately, she rushed inside her home before he could say anything to her. Hearing the door slam, Chelsea’s parents ran toward their beloved daughter. Her eyes spilled out with tears while she tried to explain what’s been happening to her. Chelsea’s parents knew the step was to get a restraining order.

What is a Restraining Order?

            A court of law provides restraining orders to keep two people apart. Whatever the motives behind them, a violation of a restraining order carries large criminal consequences. Even if the perpetrator is calling or texting the victim, this can be a misdemeanor. The perpetrator can have possible jail time and a costly fine of $1000 for violating the court order. The penalty can increase to $2000 if an injury occurs. Besides, the most jail time for a violation is mandatory thirty days. Consistent violations result in a felony or misdemeanor. Depending on the severity and time between violations, fines and jail time can intensify for a perpetrator.

Prosecution

To be convicted of a violation, the court needs to see three things. The first thing is that the restraining order had to be intentionally broken. If the order was broke accidentally, there could not be any conviction. The other factor is if the perpetrator knew that they had a restraining order against them. In some circumstances, the court can order a restraining order without the perpetrator even knowing it. Lastly, if the perpetrator lives close by or works at the same place as the victim, then the court order will be impossible to obey and not be granted conviction.

Conclusion

A restraining order can seem complicated but can help people like Chelsea. Restraining orders are an excellent way to protect you and your family. Yet, it is also good to know how to be prosecuted for violating a court order. You deserve to have justice and feel safe. Whether you have been a victim of stalking or unjustly accused of breaking a restraining order, Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates can fight for you. Our services include family law, trust law, bankruptcy law, and more. Visit our website for more information.

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