We at Abbassi Law Firm understand the gravity of custody issues. We will work hard with experts to strategize about your custody matters. 

Child custody disputes, especially involving the custody of young children, are one of the most stressful and emotional aspects of divorce, Because custody battles can be lengthy, financially overwhelming, and difficult on your relationships.

Legal Child Custody vs. Physical Child Custody

• Legal custody refers to the rights and responsibilities of parents to make decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of their children. 
• Joint legal custody means that both parents share in the right and responsibility to make decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of the children. 
• Sole legal custody means that one parent has the right and responsibility to make decisions relating to the health, education, and welfare of the children.
• Physical custody refers to the amount of time the children spend with each parent, where the children live, and how their day-to-day needs will be met.

Both parents may have joint legal custody or one parent may have sole legal custody. 

Our child custody lawyers work closely with you to bring you the best possible outcome for your children and your family.

Court Orders for Child Custody and Visitation

If you are married we will file for dissolution of marriage, and If the parents are not married, we will file an action to establish the parental relationship or more commonly known as a paternity case.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a document that describes how parents will divide the responsibilities of caring for their children.

The typical parenting plan will set forth the legal and physical custody arrangements and will include a schedule of when the children will spend time with each parent, including weekends, holidays, birthdays, and vacations.

Some parents prefer a brief plan that gives them the flexibility to deal with issues as they arise. Other parents need a more specific plan that spells out the children’s schedules and the parents’ responsibilities in great detail.

Can parents agree on a parenting plan?

Parents can agree on a parenting plan and avoid a contested custody case and all the expense, delay, anger, and stress to the children that often goes along with it. The custody plan usually fits the parents schedules and the needs of their children.

The plan will need to be approved by the judge, but the judge will usually approve a plan that both parents agree to. After the judge approves the plan, which is already signed by both parents, It then becomes a court order.

If the planning doesn’t work between the parties, the judge will decide what your parenting plan will be after a trial