Sacramento Child Custody Lawyers

Visitation, Modification and Child Support Attorneys

Child custody and child support are sensitive issues, especially in an emotionally charged divorce proceeding. The family law attorneys of Bartholomew & Waznicky LLP emphasize resolutions in the interests of all parties, including the children.

Our Sacramento child custody lawyers devise workable custody and visitation arrangements, and strongly advocate for our clients in child support and modifications. We represent clients throughout the Sacramento County area.

The Best Interests of the Child
Our philosophy is to approach custody agreements in terms of "sharing" the child rather than "possession." We remind parents that they will continue to have a relationship with each other in raising the child for many years to come, and that the chief concern should be the child's well-being.

Child Custody Issues
Legal custody refers to decision-making on behalf of the child, while physical custody concerns where the child lives. The State of California presumes joint legal custody and some form or shared physical custody — young children are not automatically presumed to better off with their mother. Typically, however, one parent will have primary custody (more than half of the week), but the non-custodial parent does not relinquish joint legal custody. Sole custody is rarely granted except for documented abuse or neglect.

Our Sacramento child custody lawyers bring the parents together to work out the number of overnights per week, holiday and vacation schedules. Putting the specifics in writing avoids future custody disputes and animosities.

Child Support Issues
The amount of child support is determined by state guidelines, but our child support attorneys make sure that the family court has the full picture of the other parent's net disposable income. California law provides for mandatory wage garnishment if the other parent is not paying court-ordered support. We can assist in collection or enforcement, or the Department of Child Support Services provides this service free. We also represent unmarried parents in paternity actions, including fathers seeking visitation or shared custody, and mothers seeking child support or parental involvement.

Modifications to Custody or Support
Child support can be modified by the court if there are substantial changes in income for either party, such as unemployment, a better job or remarriage. Our Sacramento child custody lawyers also handle petitions for visitation and custody modification relating to a new work schedule or other valid reason.

Move-away Cases
One parent can petition to relocate out of state with the children. The burden is on the parent left behind to prove why such a move would be detrimental to the child. We negotiate the terms of a relocation, such as visitation schedules and who bears the cost of travel. We also handle interstate custody cases; the home state where a custody agreement was forged has jurisdiction, preventing one parent from "shopping" for a favorable judge in another state.

Mediation
California requires mandatory mediation in custody and support cases. We counsel clients prior to mediation to prioritize concerns, prepare documentation, adopt the proper attitude, and understand what issues are important to the court. If the parents do not reach an agreement, the mediator forwards a written recommendation to the family court. If negotiation with attorneys still does not result in agreement, we are prepared to vigorously represent our clients in court.

Contact the Sacramento child custody lawyers and child support attorneys of Bartholomew & Waznicky LLP for veteran representation that protects your interests.

Bartholomew and Waznicky LLP represents family law clients throughout Sacramento County and the Sacramento Valley, including Folsom, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Gold River, Galt, Rio Linda, North Highlands, Wilton, Rancho, Murrieta, Roseville, and West Sacramento, California, as well as Yolo, El Dorado and Placer counties.