Visitation Rights in California

Your Rights as a Father or Mother in Divorce

After a divorce, it can be difficult when you are not granted custody of your child or children. Even so, you should not be completely shut out from your child's life. It is vital to a child's growth and development to have both parents involved in their lives, which is why you should be sure to obtain visitation rights if you do not have custody of your children. A court order for visitation will allow you to spend time with your children according to an agreement that you work out with the other parent, or according to the decision of a judge after litigation. Hire a Pasadena visitation lawyer right away if you have gotten or are getting a divorce and need to fight for visitation.

Need an attorney for a visitation matter in Pasadena? Each lawyer at Schweitzer Law Partners has extensive courtroom experience and can argue persuasively on your behalf. The court makes decisions based on the child's best interests, which means that you must be able to prove that visitation will benefit your child. Our legal team can counsel you through each step of your divorce process and can fight relentlessly to defend your rights. Call now to set up an appointment to speak with a lawyer who can help.

How Do I File for Visitation Rights in California?

The process for filing for visitation in California depends on whether you already have a family court case or if you are starting one for the first time.

If you already have an open case, you will need to:

• Fill out your court forms;
• Have your forms reviewed;
• Make at least two copies of all your forms;
• File your forms with the court clerk;
• Get your court date or mediation date;
• Serve your papers on the other parent;
• File your Proof of Service;
• Go to your mediation and court hearing.

If you do not have an open case, you will need to start one first. The type of case you start depends on whether you are married to the other parent or have a registered domestic partnership.

What Is Reasonable Visitation in California?

Reasonable visitation is when the visiting parent is awarded the right to spend a "reasonable" amount of time with the child. The judge typically lets the parents determine what is considered a reasonable amount.

Can the Custodial Parent Deny Visitation?

The custodial parent cannot legally prevent the visiting parent from seeing the children, even if the other parent does not pay child support, is late to pick up/drop off the children, or does not visit them regularly.

The only way to legally deny visitation is if a judge granted a modification to the visitation order due to the current situation not being in the children’s best interests.

Contact a Pasadena Visitation Attorney

Searching for a lawyer for your visitation case in Pasadena? Our firm is AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and has been named in the 2009-2012 editions of Pasadena Magazine's Top Attorneys. We are Pasadena's premier family law firm and are prepared to provide the quickest and most satisfactory resolution for you visitation case. Our clients are constantly pleased with our caring service and favorable results as seen on our testimonials page.

Contact our firm right away to discuss your situation with an attorney and learn what we can do to help you obtain visitation rights.