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.