Child Custody & Visitation

Serving the Best Interests of Children

Child custody and visitation decisions will have a life-long effect on the well-being of your children. Our attorneys work hard to help parents find their own resolution outside the court system. However there are times when court involvement cannot be avoided.

When a dispute over child custody is argued in Court, a Judge, typically without training in child development will make the decisions  when parents cannot. In some cases the Court may appoint an expert for a custody evaluation. Our role in court is to protect the interests of our client and their relationship with their children.  We strive to help our clients minimize the negative effects a custody dispute may have on the children.

At the Law Offices of Shirley D. Jacobs, our Walnut Creek, Fremont and Pleasanton child custody lawyers are committed to helping parents reach child custody and parenting plan decisions that are truly in the best interests of their children. We have a host of legal tools at our disposal to help you reach a creative solution that works for your particular family. Contact our office for a free initial consultation to learn how we can help your family.

In all California divorce cases involving children, the couple will be ordered to attend one mediation session if either of the parents requests a court hearing regarding custody. At the Law Offices of Shirley D. Jacobs, we offer our clients the opportunity to participate in the collaborative law process. We encourage families to take the time they need to understand the needs of their children and to create a plan that works. When appropriate, our collaborative lawyers work with child development specialists who are also trained in the collaborative law process who can provide information and support to parents.

Typically a shared parenting or co-parenting plan provides for the child’s best interest, but this is not always the case. Your particular family situation will govern your final parenting plan decision. And a custody and visitation agreement can be modified at a later date, as the child grows or as family situations change.

Contact the Walnut Creek, Fremont and Pleasanton child custody lawyers at the Law Office of Shirley D. Jacobs to discuss the options available to help you reach a child custody and parenting plan decision that works for your child and for you. Your initial consultation is free.

The attorneys at the Family Law Offices of Shirley D. Jacobs provide comprehensive family law services to residents of the East Bay area of California, including Alameda County and Contra Costa County and the nearby cities of Martinez, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Livermore, San Ramon, Union City, Hayward, San Leandro, Alameda, Emeryville, Dublin, Berkeley and Oakland.