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If the case is uncontested, total costs typically vary from $2,500 to $5,000. However, contested cases could cost anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000.
Usually, attorneys charge by the hour with rates ranging between $100 to $450 per hour. But the average cost for a child custody lawyer is between $1200 and $4500.
Court-Appointed Counsel In some cases a person may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. The same financial circumstances that would qualify a person for representation by a public defender would allow that person to qualify for court-appointed counsel.
You'll submit your paperwork at your court's Civil Case Intake Unit. Filing fees vary, but you should expect to pay at least $125, unless you submit a fee waiver request.
Pursuant to Family Code 2030 et seq., California Family Courts are authorized to make an order requiring any party to litigation to pay a reasonable portion of the opposing party's attorney's fees, so that the latter can maintain or defend a proceeding.
Mental and Physical Well-Being of Parents Parents' mental well-being is of great concern to a judge in a child custody case. Psychological disorders, overwhelming stress, drug or alcohol abuse, and mental health crises can prevent a parent from acting in their child's best interests.
Age 18Legally, Your Child Can Refuse Visitation at Age 18 When your child reaches 18, he or she is an adult. Adults can decide who they spend time with. You will not be able to force your child to continue to see you. A family law court will no longer be able to enforce any possession or visitation clauses over an adult.
There are three forms of joint custody, which are:Physical joint custody. When the child spends significant amounts of time with both parents.Legal joint custody. Where both parents make decisions over a child's upbringing.Joint physical and legal custody.