Unmarried Parents & Child Custody

A couple with children outside of marriage faces many of the same difficult decisions and challenges as a divorcing couple if the relationship breaks up.

Child custody and visitation orders must be established, and the arrangement best for a child may be a point of serious dispute. In other situations, a mother or father who has not had custody or visitation must pursue these rights for the good of a child.

Dependable Counsel On Unmarried Parents' Rights And Custody Issues

At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, in Newport Beach, California, dedicated Orange County family law attorneys offer sound counsel on all aspects of child custody. We work with many unwed parents, conducting thorough upfront analysis to assess legal options and building strategies for achieving their goals.

Our decades of experience and in-depth knowledge cover:

• Negotiation, mediation and trial litigation if necessary to resolve complex custody disputes between unmarried parents, including same-sex couples.
• All aspects of paternity claims on behalf of both mothers seeking child support and men seeking proof of parentage and visitation rights — or those wishing to obtain custody because the other parent is failing to properly care for a child.
• Assertion of the rights of biological parents as well as "presumed parents" who have formed a psychological bond with a child to ongoing contact with that child.
• The full range of nuanced issues that enter into disputed custody cases, from allegations of abuse or parental alienation to negotiation of a detailed visitation schedule acceptable to both parties.

No Case Is Too Complex Or Adversarial For Our Proven Lawyers

California family law is the exclusive professional focus of our entire legal team. You can count on our knowledge of all relevant statutes, case precedents and tendencies of Orange County area courts and officials.

To discuss your specific case and the best path toward the outcome you want for yourself and your child, schedule a consultation with us by calling (949) 565-4158 today.