Skip to Content
The Hunter Law Group The Hunter Law Group
Top
Determining Child Custody Decades of Experience

Child Custody in Orange County

How is Child Custody Determined?

You and the co-parent may be able to determine what works best for the child out of court by reaching a mutual agreement, perhaps with the assistance of a mediator. Otherwise, the issue will be brought into a courtroom. California courts aim to find the solution that is best for the child. Usually, the ideal situation is considered to be preserving the child's relationships with both parents, but the court may award sole custody to one parent (the "better parent") if the other is deemed unfit. Courts may even award custody to a non-parent guardian if this is what appears to be in the child's best interests. To determine what is ideal, courts examine factors such as:

  • The wishes of a child (especially if the child is at least older than 12)
  • Time the child spends with each parent
  • The quality of each child-parent relationship
  • Substance abuse by either parent
  • Any history of domestic violence
  • Alcoholism
  • Criminal convictions
  • Child's health and age

If there is a history of domestic violence, courts will not want to award custody to that parent, unless there are protection measures in place (such as might enable supervised visitation, for example) or perhaps if the parent has successfully completed batterer's treatment and a parenting class. The whole goal of the court's decision is to establish the arrangement that preserves the best interests of the child. We understand that this normally includes preserving your parental rights so you can maintain a healthy relationship that is vital to both you and the child. With your family's future at stake, you cannot afford to be without wise legal counsel and strong representation.

Read More Read Less

Helping Draft a Strategy To Help You Move Forward

Working With Our Professionals at Hunter Law Group
  • Giving You One-On-One Advice
    When you schedule your initial consultation with our firm, you'll be able to speak directly with one of our experienced family law attorneys and begin discussing the specifics of your case.
  • Helping You Write The Next Chapter
    We're committed to helping you move on with proactive legal solutions to help resolve a wide range of family law related concerns. To learn more, we recommend reaching out to our offices to schedule a consultation.
  • Decades of Legal Experience
    Our team of legal professionals have a strong understanding of family law and the various elements that can affect your divorce, child support, and post-divorce agreement.
  • Customized Legal Solutions
    At Hunter Law Group, we take our time to get to know you, your case, and the specifics of your situation to better provide legal solutions tailored to your specific case or legal concern.

Speak With an Attorney

Contact Our Firm Today
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Hunter Law Group at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

What Our Clients Are Saying

At Hunter Law Group, we've spend over a decade providing unparalleled legal service, advice, and guidance to our clients throughout Southern California.

    “I cannot recommend Dan highly enough.”

    As an attorney myself, I feel uniquely qualified to review The Hunter Law Group. Dan helped me through my divorce last year with all the professionalism I expected. He did a great job negotiating a reasonable deal in spite of the dilatory and obstreperous conduct of opposing counsel. He was responsive to my inquiries and his legal fees were very reasonable. I cannot recommend Dan highly enough.

    Chris Cullen
    “It’s an understatement when I say Dan Hunter was capable and trustworthy during a very tough divorce process!”
    I highly recommend you chose him to represent you…and then REST ASSURED that you have made a great choice! He was both collaborative and strategic in getting me the best possible outcome. Not to mention, he has an amazing staff that are well versed in law themselves and also professional and kind to lend an ear to my gripes from time to time.
    Nicole K.
    “My only complaint is that I wish I would have found him earlier.”
    I was actually in trial when I realized that my then current attorney "was not cutting it" so to speak. Mr. Hunter agreed to take my case in the middle of trial. I was relieved! Unfortunately, the damage had been done. He was not able to turn the trial judge around, so Mr. Hunter took my case up on appeal and WON! The result on appeal was a reversal of the trial court's spousal support order as well as an order for a new trial on the issue of attorneys' fees. At the second trial on the issue of attorneys' fees and costs, Mr. Hunter was successful in obtaining an order that saved me from having to pay approximately $180,000 in legal fees and costs to my ex-wife. What a relief!!! Mr. Hunter is a master at his craft. My only complaint is that I wish I would have found him earlier.
    Mike
    “I highly recommend Mr. Hunter and his legal team.”

    Mr. Hunter has provided and continues to provide my business with excellent legal services.  His expertise and dedication has delivered results that have exceeded expectations, including a multi-million dollar judgment we received on a complex business litigation issue.  I highly recommend Mr. Hunter and his legal team.

    Jason H,