Child Custody & Visitation

Ventura County, California, Child Custody Lawyers

Whether you need basic legal guidance and protection of all your interests in a divorce, or you see potential for an intense child custody battle, the family law attorneys of Van Sickle & Rowley, LLP, are here for you.

Led in this area by founding partner Diane Rowley, we take pride in our reputation for assertive action and ethical conduct in child custody cases. We are diligent in ensuring all evidence in your favor is brought forth as we protect the time, closeness and influence you need as a parent.

Collaborative Solutions That Protect You and Your Family Ties

Any California divorce involving children must resolve both physical and legal custody. One common arrangement is for parents to have joint legal custody (which allows input into major decisions impacting children's welfare), but for one parent to have primary physical custody. The noncustodial parent is almost always required to pay child support.

Our firm is aligned with the courts in prioritizing the best interests of your children. Under all but extreme circumstances, keeping both the mother and father intimately involved should be the goal. We have negotiated successful joint physical custody arrangements, and we have obtained primary physical custody for numerous fathers and mothers. We are also dedicated to developing practical, child-centered visitation plans.

Counsel and Advocacy Through Every Phase of Your Case

Procedures used by California family courts reflect the importance of carefully considered decisions about child custody. When parents cannot agree, the court mandates and provides mediation. If mediation does not produce agreement, a custody evaluation involving psychological examinations and interviews with relatives, teachers, childcare workers and others may be required.

Although we cannot take part in these procedures directly, we will:

• Assess likely outcomes based on all we know about your situation and relationships
• Provide insight into what information a mediator or evaluator is looking for
• Help you focus on issues that impact your children
• Help you balance immediate desires with a long-term view of your children's well-being

Custody Modifications — Paternity Cases — Parental Move-Aways

Whatever your current child custody situation or concerns, you can contact our full-service family law firm.

If circumstances have changed since your divorce, we can provide informed counsel on post-judgment modifications. If you are an alienated mother or father working toward visitation rights, we will help you find the proper course. We also handle all aspects of difficult parental move-aways, emphasizing negotiation to reach beneficial solutions.