Military Child Custody
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
Resolving Child Custody Issues In Military Divorce
When one parent is involved in the military, determining a custody arrangement that is in the best interests of the children can be very difficult. You will want to work with a team of qualified attorneys who understand the unique challenges that your family faces and have a deep understanding of military law.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, we have significant experience representing clients throughout California in military divorce, military custody, and more. Our firm is recognized for representing both military members and their spouses, and will tailor our legal approach to fit the unique needs of your situation. Additionally, three of our attorneys — Robert Burch, Todd Coulston and Courtney Shepard — are Certified Family Law Specialists. This distinction is held by less than 1 percent of lawyers in the state.
Understanding The Complexities Of Military Child Custody Issues
Determining custody in divorce for military families is just one part of the divorce process.
Custody issues can have many different layers, including challenges involving:
Custody disputes
Visitation and parenting-time issues
Custody during times when one parent is deployed
Our Newport Beach military child custody attorneys have been successful in representing both mothers and fathers during custody matters. We analyze the details of the situation and look at building an effective legal strategy based on the best interests of your child. Our lawyers understand how to approach situations where one parent is deployed at the time of the divorce and what factors the courts will examine in making a determination. When working with our firm, you have the benefit of working with highly skilled, experienced, and sympathetic family law attorneys.
Contact Our Newport Beach Military Child Custody Law Firm
To schedule an initial consultation, please contact us at (949) 565-4158. Our attorneys are happy to schedule consultations at a time that is convenient for you.
“Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey!”
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
Former Client
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
“A brilliantly educated pit bull”
“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 949-565-4158 today!
Do I Have to be a California Resident to Divorce Here?
To file for divorce, you must be able to prove California residency for six months and residency in the county where you file for at least three months. The respondent or "defendant" spouse in a divorce case does not have to be a California resident, however.
What are Some of the Key Early Steps in the Divorce Process, and How Long Does it Take?
Divorce proceedings begin when either spouse files a petition that is served on the other. The person served then has 30 days to file a response, or the case proceeds without that response toward a likely final judgment about six months later.
If there is a response, the parties begin the process of exchanging information and, typically, attempting to negotiate a marital settlement agreement either on their own or in a mandatory conference in court. Every case is different, and the entire process can take anywhere from months to several years.
Do I Need to Prove My Spouse Is at Fault for Causing the Divorce?
No. California is a "no fault" divorce state. Grounds for divorce are not considered, although the court may consider many factors when issuing orders on child custody and other issues.
How Do I Get Started if I Have Decided I Want a Divorce — or a Legal Separation?
Our divorce attorneys strongly encourage you to contact an experienced, qualified lawyer — ideally, one who focuses exclusively on family law. Pursuing a do-it-yourself divorce is legal but filled with traps and potential complications.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, our Orange County divorce lawyers have guided many hundreds of men and women through divorces of all levels of complexity. We emphasize preparation and results, always putting our clients' needs and best interests first.
