Experienced Lawyers Standing Up for You
Different children grow up in different family circumstances, and there are typically a number of people who have a role in each child's life. When disputes arise between parents and other caretakers, it is important for each person to understand his or her legal rights.
At the Diamond Law Firm in Los Angeles, our attorneys help clients assert their legal rights as mothers, fathers, grandparents, unmarried parents and stepparents. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Los Angels attorneys.
Understanding Where You Stand Under California Law
The legal rights of different types of parents and caretakers in California are complex. Our Los Angeles attorneys can provide you with skilled counsel regarding your rights in any of the following areas:
- Mothers' and fathers' rights: Many people mistakenly believe that in cases involving children, there is a presumption that the mother will get primary custody and the father will have to pay child support. In fact, under the U.S. Constitution, mothers and fathers have equal rights, and it is the best interests of the child that come first.
- Grandparents' rights: In California, grandparents who have historically been involved in their grandchildren's lives are often able to get visitation rights. Grandparents may also be able to step in and request guardianship rights if their grandchildren's parents are behaving in an abusive or neglectful fashion.
- Unmarried parents' rights: Unmarried parents and their children have the same rights as married parents and their children under California law. The only difference is that it may be necessary to establish the child's paternity before those rights can be enforced.
- Stepparents' rights: Often, stepparents form bonds with their stepchildren that are then threatened in the case of divorce, a child custody dispute with the birth parent, or abuse and neglect proceedings. Possibilities for stepparents in these circumstances include visitation rights, guardianship and adoption.
If you need to go to court to assert your legal rights, the lawyers at our firm will aggressively protect your interests. Contact us to learn more about your rights and what we can do to help you stand up for those rights.
