Santa Maria Child Custody Experienced lawyers to give you the results you deserve.

Child Custody Attorneys in Santa Maria 

Benefit from Our Decades of Experience

At Morales Law, P.C., we understand that your child’s well-being is your top priority. Our team of experienced family law attorneys is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging process with compassion.

Request a free initial consultation by calling (805) 422-7966

What to Look for in a Child Custody Lawyer

The child custody attorney you select can have far-reaching implications for you, your child, and your case. You should consider the following factors when determining who can best represent you: 

  • Experience and specialization. Look for an attorney with a proven track record in custody cases. If an attorney is a Certified Family Law Specialist, that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of custody matters and extensive experience in handling such cases. 
  • Communication and accessibility. Effective communication is the foundation of a good attorney-client relationship. You want to work with an attorney who is responsive, attentive to your concerns, and willing to explain legal matters clearly and concisely.
  • Advocacy and negotiation skills. A strong advocate can tirelessly fight for your rights and the best interests of your children. A skilled negotiator can also help resolve disputes efficiently and amicably.
  • Their approach to cases. Some lawyers prioritize aggressive tactics, while others focus on collaborative solutions. It's essential to choose an attorney whose approach aligns with your goals and values.
  • Reputation. Research the attorney's reputation and read client reviews to better understand whether they have handled similar cases and if they are trusted by past clients.

Does Parental Employment Impact Custody? 

Parental employment itself doesn't directly impact custody decisions in California. The primary factor in custody determinations is always the best interests of the child.

However, employment can indirectly influence custody outcomes in a few ways:

  • Ability to provide care. The court considers a parent's ability to provide care for the child. A flexible work schedule or access to reliable childcare can positively impact this assessment.
  • Proven financial stability. While income isn't the sole determinant of custody, it's a factor in determining child support and the overall ability to provide for the child's needs.
  • Ability to meet the child’s needs. The court considers the child's needs, including their age, emotional well-being, and stability. A parent's work schedule may impact their ability to meet these needs.

How a Child's School Calendar Influences Child Custody Schedules

A child's school calendar significantly impacts child custody schedules for several reasons:

  • The calendar should be factored into the custody arrangement:  
    • School days. Custody schedules are often structured to align with school days to maintain consistency in the child's routine. 
    • School breaks. Holidays, summer vacations, and other breaks require adjustments to the custody schedule to accommodate both parents' time with the child. For instance, if your child is in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, you would want to account for the days students do not have to report to school, like Spring Break at the end of April and Teacher Professional Learning Days. 
  • Considering their schedule is in the child's best interests:
    • Minimizing disruptions. Courts prioritize the child's well-being, and consistent routines, including school attendance, are crucial for their emotional and academic stability.
    • Parental involvement. The schedule should facilitate both parents' involvement in the child's education and extracurricular activities.
  • There are other practical considerations: 
    • School drop-off and pick-up. Custody exchanges can occur around school hours for convenience and to minimize disruptions to the child's day.
    • Extracurricular activities. If the child participates in after-school activities, the custody schedule should accommodate practice times and events.

Our Attorneys

Responsive & Personalized

Working with attorney Marcus Morales and the team at Morales Law means getting a responsive and personalized experience. We know what you’re up against, and we understand you’re working with us because you’ve reached a difficult point in your life. We want to help. Contact us today.

Here to Help You Protect Your Child’s Best Interest

Our firm is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal guidance to help you protect your child's best interests. When you retain our services, we can take the time to answer your questions, clarify the legal process, and explain key concepts and laws that affect your case. With a clear understanding of your rights and options, you can make informed case decisions. 

Our attorneys take a client-centered approach to cases and can work to develop a strategy tailored to address your unique situation and needs. It is important to remember that the court's primary concern, and ours, is the well-being of your child. We approach every case with this fundamental principle in mind. Our goal is to achieve a custody arrangement that prioritizes your child's best interests while advocating strongly for your parental rights.

Contact our Santa Maria custody attorneys at (805) 422-7966 or use our online contact form to get started on your case today. 

  • "Extremely helpful and professional."
    Morales Law, P.C. has been extremely helpful in explaining the legal process of divorce and guiding me to an educated decision. The team is always professional and available for even the smallest of questions. I'm so happy to have them represent me in this difficult case.
    - Satisfied Client
  • "Professional and fights hard for your case!"
    Morales Law, P.C. was professional, courteous, and fought hard for my family during my divorce case. They didn't back down from challenges and made a complicated situation seem simple to the judge, who ruled in our favor. Knowledgeable and gets the job done!
    - Satisfied Client

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