Child Custody
Los Angeles and Orange County Attorneys
Child Custody – Visitation - Hearings
Child custody is perhaps the single most important issue for divorcing parents. Divorce can threaten your relationship with your children. You may find that your spouse is trying to shut you out of your kids’ lives altogether. You don’t want the stress and pain of a child custody battle, but you need to be sure that your children’s best interests and your rights as a parent are protected.
Guiding you through the custody process
We understand what you are going through. Hammers & Baltazar Family Law will help you navigate the complicated legal process that determines child custody arrangements. We understand how critical the outcome of custody is to you and your children’s future. We help prepare you for your child custody hearing, coaching and educating you about your custody evaluation and strategizing the most effective way to present your case.
Hearings are often very quick. You may have little time to speak with the judge. It is essential for you to be as persuasive as possible in the few minutes you may have. Sometimes, small factors like knowing your child's favorite color or food or referring to your child as "our child" instead of "my child" can make a significant difference in a judge's opinion of your claim. We understand how much is at stake. Our lawyers ensure that you are well prepared and positioned to get the time with your children that you and they deserve.
What you can expect
When you work with Hammers & Baltazar Family Law on your child custody matter you can expect that your child’s well being will always be foremost in our approach and the time you spend with your child will be maximized.
Assistance with other child custody matters
- Custody evaluation process. This is often required by the courts and involves the assessment of both parents' parenting skills by a psychologist.
- Child custody modification. When your situation or the needs of your child have changed, or if you were not adequately represented at the initial custody hearing, we will request a hearing.
- Enforce visitation schedules. If the other parent is not complying with the court’s order for visitation, we can bring a contempt proceeding or seek a change in custody or visitation.
Why our firm is the right choice for custody matters
At Hammers & Baltazar Family Law, we have ways to help you identify your custody goals. We explain often unknown custody options and help you prepare for child custody hearings. We find this approach often leaves relationships intact between children and both parents. We know how sensitive custody matters are. Our objective is to achieve your goals while minimizing stress and anxiety.
Contact us
For answers to questions about child custody, visitation, or custody modifications, call us. Our Santa Monica office is conveniently located near the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade. Our Newport Beach office is located near Newport Bay and the Pacific Coast Highway. To contact us, call our Santa Monica office at 310-458-0796 or our Newport Beach office at 949-631-2805. We accept most major credit cards.
