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Child Custody Exclusivity in Practice. Integrity in Performance. Results-Driven Divorce Attorneys.

Westlake Village Child Custody Attorney

Helping Divorcing Parents in Ventura County

Are you in the middle of working out a child custody arrangement? Or are you trying to modify an existing one?

Disagreements over child custody can turn into a full-scale battle, one that harms divorcing parents and the child(ren) in question. That’s why {Sub:BusinessName] aims to sort out custody arrangements with negotiation and compromise. However, we are also experienced trial lawyers who know when and how to take a child custody matter to court.


Call (805) 273-8658 to speak with an experienced child custody lawyer in Westlake Village. Or book your consultation online today.


Types of Child Custody Arrangements

Physical Custody vs. Legal Custody

There are two different types of child custody that will need to be worked out:

  • Physical custody: This type of custody controls where and with whom the child lives.
  • Legal custody: This type of custody pertains to what control the parent has over the child’s rights and upbringing, such as whether they have a say in their education, extracurricular activities, healthcare, religion, etc.

The Difference Between Sole Custody and Joint Custody

Both physical and legal custody can be split in the following ways:

  • Sole custody, meaning only one parent has custody.
  • Joint custody, or shared custody, which means both parents have some degree of custody.

Note that joint custody is not always a 50/50 split. For example, joint physical custody could mean the child lives with one parent 60% or 70% of the time.

It is also possible for the parents to be granted joint legal custody but for one parent to have sole physical custody. In these cases, the non-custodial parent will have visitation rights.

How to Win a Child Custody Case in California

To get child custody in Southern California, you will need to go down one of two paths:

  • Negotiate a custody arrangement with the other parent: Before taking the matter to court, many parents try to work out a custody agreement on their own. They can then take the agreement to a judge who will sign it into law.
  • Take the matter to court: When parents disagree on terms for child custody, they can take the issue to family court. Both parents will have the chance to propose their preferred parenting time plan, but they will not have the final say. Instead, a judge will draft a court order based on the child’s best interests.

Regardless of which route you decide to take, it is best to work with an attorney. This is all the more important when the other parent has an attorney of their own. If this applies to your case, you need someone who understands the complexities of family law on your side.

How Do Courts Decide on Child Custody?

To win your child custody case, you will need to show that your plan is the one that best serves the child. This is because family courts and judges make the child’s best interest their No. 1 priority.

When reviewing a child custody case, the courts consider a range of factors to figure out which arrangement is best for the child:

  • The child’s relationship with each parent
  • The age and health of the child
  • The age and health of each parent
  • Whether either parent is unfit to care for the child, such as because of a demanding work schedule, domestic violence, or a mental health disorder
  • How each proposed custody arrangement will affect the child, such as whether they will need to move, change schools, etc.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Child Custody Case?

Many parents want to avoid lawyers when working out a child custody arrangement, because of the misconception that lawyers will make the process all the more complicated and contentious. This isn’t how it actually works. In reality, lawyers can speed up the process and make sure that your rights and the rights of your child are protected.

At Feinberg & Waller, APC, our child custody lawyers can take care of the following:

  • Provide insight into the judge overseeing your case
  • Fill out any and all paperwork correctly
  • File all legal documents on time
  • Gather evidence and character references
  • Speak to witnesses who may support your case
  • Help you prepare your personal testimony
  • Coach you on how to act in court and interact with the judge

In other words, we can help you build a strong child custody case that’s tailored to your unique situation. We can also provide additional support and guidance for divorce cases involving domestic violence, prenuptial agreements, and other important factors.

Contact a Westlake Village child custody attorney online today. We also have offices in Calabasas and Beverly Hills.

Recent Testimonials

Read What Past Clients Had to Say
  • “Capable, attentive, and effective attorneys and staff who have gone above and beyond for our family! Superior expertise and strategy from Adina Rosenfeld and Marshall Waller.”

    - Verified Client Review
  • “The people of Feinberg & Waller, APC are consummate experts and truly care about their clients. While the topic is difficult and emotionally charged, they were able to explain things in terms that are easy to follow, ethically and reasonably motivated.”

    - Verified Client Posted Review
  • “Marshall is a trusted advisor and delivers exceptional, quality service.”

    - Verified Business Referral Source
  • “Marshall was very easy to work with and I recommend him highly as a competent lawyer and source of legal advice.”

    - Verified Client Posted Review
  • “Marshall is quite simply THE BEST!”

    - Verified Client Posted Review
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What Makes Feinberg & Waller, APC Different? 

Committed to Each & Every Case
  • Certified Family Law Specialists

    We have three certified family law specialists on our team. Attorneys wishing to become family law specialists must pass a rigorous examination in the field of family law, fulfill mandated ongoing educational requirements, been favorably evaluated by peer review, and show at least a five-year focus and proficiency in family law.

  • Team Approach

    At Feinberg & Waller, APC, the power of our entire team is behind you. As one or two lawyers oversee the fine details of each case, our clients further benefit from practice-wide strategic planning sessions. During these sessions every partner and associate brainstorms together to execute and deploy tactical case objectives, providing clients with an added value beyond the standard lawyer/client arrangement.

  • Outstanding National and International Reputation

    Firm shareholder, Marshall Waller is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Fellows are recognized as having advanced skills in family law and are recognized leaders in the field.

  • Role of the General Counsel

    The office of Feinberg & Waller, APC has a general counsel whose role is to focus on law firm management, corporate governance, and business policy. The litigation attorneys are then able to focus on your matter rather than having to concentrate on running the business aspect of a law firm.

    Read More About The Role of General Counsel 

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