Not all parents share a home with their child, and sharing custody can be difficult. If one parent lives in a different state and custody issues arise, you may be wondering how much does it costs to hire an interstate custody lawyer in Pasadena, California. The short answer is that it depends on the details of your case. You can discuss what payment options are available when consulting with your California interstate custody attorney.
Looking at Child Custody in California
If you and your child’s other parent are no longer together, the matter of custody must be determined within the family court. When both parents reside in California, custody issues can be simpler to navigate. However, when a parent lives in a different state from the one their child lives in, there are many factors to consider, including how they are handled by the family courts within the Superior Court system.
The specific location can vary depending on the California county you or your child lives in. For cities in Los Angeles County, such as Glendale or Pasadena, interstate custody cases may be processed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Child custody cases are among the most contested and emotionally tolling family law issues. In 2023, about 20 percent of families with children under age 18 were single-mother households. It’s important to hire an interstate custody lawyer as soon as you can, so your lawyer has more time to develop a legal approach with your goals and needs in mind.
What Does an Interstate Custody Attorney Do to Help Me?
Not unlike a typical child custody lawyer, an interstate custody attorney works to ensure you understand how the various custody arrangements function and to represent you during the proceedings. Your lawyer is there to advocate for you and your goals as well as protect your parental rights, whether it’s you or your child who resides in California.
Interstate custody laws can be complicated, and most people are unfamiliar with them. Interstate custody attorneys are well prepared to handle these complex cases and help you navigate the logistics of interstate custody. Interstate custody cases are primarily determined by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which is signed by 46 states, including California.
The law asserts that the child’s home state should maintain jurisdiction over all matters related to custody and parental rights. This also protects the child from being removed from their home by a parent, known as parental kidnapping, in hopes of seeking a favorable custody outcome. Generally, whichever state the child has lived in for more than half a year has jurisdiction over the case.
Costs of Hiring an Interstate Custody Lawyer
When preparing to hire a lawyer for your interstate child custody case, you may expect to pay slightly more than you would for a state custody case. Attorney fees can still vary quite a bit, whether the child custody case is interstate or not. There are several factors that can influence your lawyer’s legal fees, including the details of the case and the payment structure your attorney typically uses for their services.
Interstate custody lawyer fees can vary depending on the state they practice in and whether that’s a different state from you. On average, many attorneys charge an hourly fee between a few and several hundred dollars. Some lawyers may also offer a flat fee payment structure for certain services or ask for a retainer fee upfront.
FAQs About Hiring an Interstate Custody Lawyer in California
How Much Does an Interstate Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The costs of an interstate child custody lawyer can vary depending on the state you live in, the complexity of the case, and your attorney’s payment structure options. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate, while others may offer a flat fee payment option for certain legal services. Some custody attorneys may also require a retainer fee to be paid upfront. You can ask your lawyer what payment options are available.
How Does Interstate Custody Work in California?
In California, cases of interstate child custody work by following the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This law recognizes that the state where the child has most recently resided for more than half a year shall have jurisdiction over all matters concerning custody and parenting rights. When considering the different custody arrangements, the courts prioritize the best interests of the child. Issues such as travel expenses, frequency of visits, and more must be decided.
What If My Child Doesn’t Have a Home State?
If your child doesn’t have a home state or doesn’t meet the residency requirement, the UCCJEA asserts that jurisdiction can be based on a significant connection. This means that if a parent can provide substantial evidence that their child has a significant connection to them and the state in which they live, that state may be given jurisdiction. It’s also possible for a state to exercise emergency temporary jurisdiction if the child needs immediate protection due to mistreatment, abuse, or abandonment.
How Should I Prepare for an Interstate Custody Case?
In California, if you’re preparing for an interstate child custody case, it’s highly recommended that you gather all important and relevant information before meeting with your lawyer. This includes vital documents such as any existing custody agreements and related court orders. You may also bring information detailing where both parents currently live and for what length of time, evidence showing the child’s relationship with each parent, and any evidence speaking to parental abuse or neglect, if relevant for the case.
What Does an Interstate Custody Lawyer Do for Me?
An interstate custody lawyer is there to act as your legal counsel and representation during child custody proceedings that cross state lines. Like a typical custody attorney, your lawyer is there to protect your parental rights and advocate on your behalf based on your goals and priorities. Interstate custody lawyers must also be prepared to understand other states’ custody laws and how they may impact your case.
Hire an Interstate Custody Lawyer
Feel confident about your interstate custody case when you work with the skilled and professional legal team at Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial meeting with a knowledgeable and dedicated family law attorney.
