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Child Custody Put Our Experience to Work for You & Your Family

Ventura Child Custody Lawyer

Developing a Child Custody Agreement in Ventura County

In a divorce or legal separation proceeding, the matter of child custody and visitation is of interest to the court. This can be a difficult issue for parents to agree on in some cases. The matter can be determined by the court if an agreement cannot be reached.

When you are selecting a Ventura divorce attorney, it is important that your legal counsel is skilled in assisting in to resolve a difference as you may not be entirely happy with the court's decision. Call Negley Law, APC, get high-quality representation that is solely focused on getting the best result for you and your family. We represent clients in Ventura and all of Ventura County.

Make an appointment for your free consultation today.

How Ventura Courts Determine Child Custody

There are two types of custody, legal custody and physical custody:

  • Legal custody is concerned with decisions regarding such matters as medical, education, and religion.
  • Physical custody involves the time spent with a parent.

Each family is unique. Arriving at an agreement on custody and visitation which suits the needs of your family can require patience and a great deal of communication. The court considers the parent-child relationship most important to preserve. In a contested custody matter it will look to the child's best interest in health, safety, and welfare.

This will include:

  • Stability of environment
  • How much time each parent has invested in building and maintaining a loving relationship
  • Which parent will be most accommodating in allowing visitation time

Custody Matters That You May Experience

A respected Ventura family law attorney at our firm is skilled in helping to resolve all types of physical and legal custody matters such as:

  • Relocation
  • Parenting plans
  • Parenting plan modification
  • Sole custody
  • Joint custody
  • Child support
  • Modification to child support
  • Enforcement of child support

Should it prove impossible for an agreement to be reached outside of the courtroom, you will need a skilled divorce lawyer who provides aggressive legal representation in court and makes a clear presentation of the issues concerning the child's best interest. Call Negley Law, APC to discuss your concerns regarding any child custody matter.

Petitions for Modification to Child Custody in Ventura

Although your divorce has been finalized, circumstances can change and that can affect the well-being of a child.

A child can suffer from the following complications following a divorce:

  • Health
  • Criminal behavior
  • An impending relocation
  • A parent remarries
  • Substance abuse
  • Neglect
  • Domestic violence

As a child matures, his or her needs can change. There can be any number of reasons for seeking a modification of child custody orders. While it is possible to obtain a modification, this is a complex legal matter which requires the assistance of an established attorney who is well versed in family law and the court's approach to these petitions.

Is My Case Eligible for Modification?

The State is most concerned with the welfare of innocent children. Maintaining a stable home environment is considered most beneficial to a child. Although child custody orders are modifiable as long as the child is a minor, the court must be convinced that there is a compelling reason to make change in the child's living arrangements.

The petitioner carries the burden of proving that a significant change in circumstances has taken place and the current custody order is not in the child's best interest. Because the state places great importance on the continuing stability of a child's home environment the petitioner must present persuasive evidence that the circumstances have changed to a sufficient degree that a modification is warranted. For example, to prove the custodial parent is guilty of domestic violence your family law lawyer would present police reports and court records showing a court conviction.

Get assistance with child custody or with modification to a child custody order. Contact a Ventura custody attorney who considers a child's best interest to be the highest priority.

WHY HIRE OUR FIRM

Nearly Four Decades of Advocating for Our Clients
  • John Negley is a Certified Family Law Specialist
  • Michael Rutkowski is a Certified Family Law Specialist
  • #1 Best Reviewed Family Law Firm in the County by Google & Avvo
  • A Personalized Approach for Every Client
  • Prompt & Professional Legal Advice & Service
  • Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
  • 2013 Top Lawyers in California
  • Certified California Family Law Specialist
  • Ventura Chamber of Commerce
  • Ventura County Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Client Testimonials

  • Staff is very friendly and respectful. Respond time is very quick. They hold a high standard.
    - A.S.
  • I was faced with a difficult and overwhelming family law matter and did not even know where to begin. Mr. John Negley confidently laid out a clear strategy for my case. He is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, but what really stood out to me was his
    - A.
  • Thank you for enforcing the court's order. You are the best.
    - C.S.
  • John, I just wanted to say thank you for defending their request for attorney fees. Things went great and you're an awesome lawyer.
    - C.Y.