Guiding The Way To Parenting Solutions
You would do anything to spare your children from the pain and turmoil of divorce. But custody matters are complex and contentious. Even in high-conflict cases, Roz Bateman Smith, Attorney at Law, provides guidance to help families find amicable and practical solutions to the new realities of co-parenting.
Ms. Bateman Smith is known for her strong courtroom advocacy and empathetic approach to the delicate matters of divorce proceedings and child custody. Located in Santa Rosa, her practice is devoted solely to family law, serving Sonoma County and surrounding counties.
What’s Important In Custody And Visitation?
The courts are not concerned with who is a “better” parent or who has a bigger salary. The overriding consideration is the best interests of the child. Legal custody refers to decisions about schooling, health care and religious practices. Physical custody refers to day-to-day responsibility and how much time the child spends in each household.
In deciding who will be the primary parent and how parenting time will be divided, the court considers many factors, such as:
- The age of the child
- The wishes of an older child
- Which parent has been the main caregiver
- The parents’ work schedules, including travel
- The child’s need for structure and stability
- Extended family support for the child
- The mental and physical health of each parent
- Addiction problems, abuse or other red flags
With over 20 years of experience in the Sonoma County courts as a lawyer and former courthouse employee, Roz Bateman Smith has unique insights into the family court system and what factors the judges give most weight to. She will fiercely advocate for your parental rights in custody proceedings
What’s The Plan For The Parenting Plan?
Your attorney also plays a role in the nuts and bolts of the custody order and parenting arrangements. The parenting plan should be as specific as possible, while also providing flexibility and a forum for resolving future disputes. Ms. Bateman Smith can help you negotiate exchanges, summer vacation, holidays, school events and many other issues that commonly lead to conflicts.
Parent Relocation And Custody Modifications
Long after the divorce is over, you may need to revisit the custody order. Roz Bateman Smith provides advocacy in negotiations or contested hearings for changes in primary custody, petitions for sole custody, petitions to move away with the children, interference with visitation rights, or substantial changes in the parenting plan. These disputes can be every bit as contentious as divorce, so you need a strategy and capable representation.
Your Advocate For The Difficult Issues Of Custody
Roz Bateman Smith, Attorney at Law, represents parents in Santa Rosa and all of Sonoma County, as well as Napa, Marin, Lake and Mendocino counties. Arrange a free consultation at 707-832-4474 or contact us online.
Se habla español.