Domestic violence impacts millions of individuals, families, and children alike each year. If you have a child and are involved in a relationship that includes domestic violence in the State of California, it is essential to seek legal counsel and protection for your child as soon as possible. Understanding how domestic violence impacts child custody and how it may impact you and your parental rights is imperative to ensure you are doing all that you can to prevent losing your ability to see your child.
Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
Sadly, children are often most emotionally and mentally impacted by domestic violence. A child’s own emotional and mental wellbeing is at risk in a home with domestic violence, which is why children are so readily removed from any potentially violent or dangerous environment.
Factors That Impact Child Custody
When a child custody case involving domestic violence arrives in front of a judge, there are many factors that may impact the overall decision and judge’s perspective. Some of the most common factors that impact a child custody case involving domestic violence include:
- A child’s involvement: If a child is involved in domestic violence and reported abuse directly, the case is likely to be handled immediately and swiftly.
- Frequency and severity: How often is there domestic violence in the home? How severe is the reported violence and/or abuse?
- Emotional and mental well-being: How impacted is the child in terms of their own mental and emotional health?
Working alongside professional attorneys who are well-versed in child custody and support is ideal for gaining peace of mind. With the right team of lawyers who practice in child custody and support throughout California, move forward with your domestic violence family law case knowing you are on the right path.