Palm Springs Visitation Attorney
Visitation and Time Sharing
It is the policy of California custody law to ensure "frequent and
continuing contact" between parents with their children.
Family Code section 3020. Although a number of our Family code sections use the word "visitation,"
generally what is being described is the relative percentages of custodial
timeshares. For instance, lawyers, family court judges, mental health
professionals and
Child Recommending Counselors who work within the courts more commonly label visitation schedules in terms of
"joint physical custody" - "joint" does not at all necessary denote "equal",
and it is not uncommon to see the lesser time joint custodial parent with
a twenty percent timeshare.
However, in some cases one parent is awarded "sole physical" custody. In those circumstances the out-of-custody parent is properly said to have "visitation" with the minor(s). Courts greatly favor joint custody arrangements, and where sole physical custody is granted it is usually because of some abandonment or misconduct (i.e., domestic violence) by the other parent. More often that not, it is fathers whose access to children is being restricted.
We also think of visitation when speaking of the rights of certain nonparents, like grandparents or step-parents. This class of people face a formidable burden in order to be awarded custody as opposed to visitation rights, largely because of Constitutional presumptions in favor of biological and legal parents that were set forth in the United States Supreme Court decision of Troxel v. Granville (2000) 530 U.S. 57. But they can, indeed, win visitation rights under appropriate facts that generally derive from close bonding, where for instance a parent parks the kids with grandma for extended periods or when one parent has died.
If you are seeking visitation as opposed to joint custody, it is likely that some past problem got you there - or again, that you are of a class that has limited legal rights to someone else's child. In these cases you really do need a competent custody attorney.
Are you interested in establishing a visitation agreement, enforcing your visitation rights or modifying an existing agreement regarding visitation? Or, do you have bona fide objections to someone attempting to visit with your child whom you strongly believe would be some kind of emotional or physical threat to them?
Palm Springs divorce lawyer Thurman Arnold may well be able to help. Attempting
to resolve these matters on your own can lead to a less than desirable
outcome that involves extremely limited or nonexistent visitation rights,
or visitation awarded when you believe it should not be. Perhaps you already
tried that route, and did not fare well. Such orders can always be modified
upon a showing of changed circumstances.
The Law Firm of Arnold, Peterson & Criste assists both custodial and
non-custodial parents in visitation matters throughout the Coachella Valley.
We also assist parents who are considering
divorce or
legal separation in resolving these matters, either through negotiation or when required
courtroom litigation.
Regardless of your particular issue involving visitation, our firm offers a free initial consultation to discuss your options and strategies.
Testimonials & Endorsements
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“Not only is Mr. Peterson’s knowledge of the law beyond measure, he’s able to articulate it so it’s understandable.”
If you are going through a divorce, The Law Offices of Arnold, Peterson & Criste is in my opinion the best option available. Mr. Peterson and his assistant Jordyn are top notch. Not only is Mr. Peterson’s knowledge of the law beyond measure, he’s able to articulate it so it’s understandable. He was able to navigate my emotions and help my uphill battle to receive proper visitation as a father. Jordyn never hesitated to reach out within the same business day if documents were needed or for any question I had about the process. Thanks to the team, we resolved the divorce healthfully. I couldn’t be more grateful.- Josh Arguijo -
“I needed the best analysis and advice possible. I found Attorney Thurman Arnold III in Palm Springs.”
I am a Veteran and Retired Deputy Sheriff. My divorce involved complicated property distribution and spousal support issues. I spent considerable time looking for the best Counsel I could find before I negotiated with my ex-wife and her Attorney. In fact, my case was in another county, but that didn't matter. I needed the best analysis and advice possible. I found Attorney Thurman Arnold III in Palm Springs. Attorney Arnold is a BAR Certified Family Law Specialist. In my humble opinion the best! His review of my case and how "Moore Marsden" property division applied was invaluable. His guidance saved me $30,000 dollars. Thank you, Thurman!- Jeff Jones -
“Mike is adept at managing expectations and being very fair and measured.”
Needed to modify a settlement and hired Mike Peterson. Mike is very, very knowledgeable and experienced. When you are going through a divorce or child custody issues, it is the most terrifying and stressful experience. Mike is adept at managing expectations and being very fair and measured. I wish I had hired him initially to get it all done straight the first time around. He is very responsive and communicative and understands the client well. Good luck going through this process - have a good guide like Mike without a doubt.- Donika McKelvie -
“I would highly recommend him and the firm”
Micheal Peterson is very knowledgeable of law and can help you make the best decisions for your family. He does is job with integrity. He helps with giving discounts when he can . I would highly recommend him and the firm . Very good staff .- Vincent Hall -
“Very professional, honest, and handled everything without a hiccup.”
Arnold, Peterson & Criste are a class act. Very professional, honest, and handled everything without a hiccup. When a year had passed, he and Jordyn contacted me to let me know I still had retainer on the books! I had forgot and they sent me the money anyway! For this I am very grateful and cannot recommend them enough. You won’t go wrong with Thurman Arnold. He is definitely the guy to have on your side.- Matt Feenstra -
“Simply the Best of the Best!!!”
I Highly Recommend Michael C. Peterson at the Law Office of Thurman W. Arnold!!! I hired Michael for my custody case and he is very knowledgeable and took the time to educate me on the process so we can put together a winning strategy. He fought for me and my children in court and successfully won our case. There are no words to describe how grateful and appreciative I am for Michaels service!!! If you are sitting on the fence on which Attorney to hire, do yourself a favor and hire Michael. I would not recommend anyone else!!! Simply the Best of the Best!!!- John and Lukes Tube -
“Mike amazes me by his knowledge of my case, made me feel like I was his only client.”
- Damaris M.I reached out to this law firm 2 years ago when my life was falling apart. My case was assigned to attorney Michael Peterson. I didn't know much about him except few reviews on google but I'm glad I hit the jackpot. Mike amazes me by his knowledge of my case, made me feel like I was his only client. He's very responsive, respectful and and goes above and…
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“He and Michael Peterson are truly masters of their craft.”
When my clients have family law issues, I routinely refer them to Thurman Arnold. He and Michael Peterson are truly masters of their craft. Family law can be an unwieldy beast, but they handle it with precision and finesse.- Edward Cross
