While the court often acts in what it deems “the best interest of the children,” they don’t know you.  We present you in the best light possible and demonstrate how the children's lives will be improved by spending more time with you.

It is better to be a little more aggressive in the beginning and establish fair and agreeable custody and visitation arrangements than it is to try and change things at some point in the future.

The courts are required to act in the best interests of the children.  We need to simply demonstrate how it is in the children’s best interests for fathers to be a healthy part of their lives.

The process the Riverside County Family Court uses to determine child custody has been simplified and outlined below.

When children are involved in a contested divorce, the court requires that both parties go to mediation.  Mediation is where a neutral third party briefly listens to each side and determines what they believe is in the best interest of the children.

A Judge will usually rubberstamp the recommendations of the mediator.

Child Custody Attorney Kyle Farquhar has been successful in having judges see past mediation recommendations in favor of the father. This was accomplished by presenting evidence such as:

• Mother’s drug or alcohol dependency, psychological problems, or criminal record.
• Expert advice of professional psychologists stating what they believe to be in the children’s best interest.
• Other extenuating circumstances (i.e. better education, more secure home life, sibling relationships, etc).

Ultimately the judge will make their decision based on what was presented by all parties.

If you believe you are a father and you wish to be an active part of your child’s life, AND your name is not on the birth certificate, you should establish your rights as soon as possible.

We can assist you by asking the court to step in and compel DNA testing.  Once your status as father has been determined, you are entitled to receive all the rights of visitation, custody, etc. and the obligations such as child support.

There is no link between honoring the visitation agreement and payment of child support.  In fact, should your ex-wife deny you the visitation as expressed in an existing court order FOR ANY REASON, you should contact our office immediately.

Father’s Rights attorney Kyle Farquhar helps fathers receive the quality time they are entitled to with their children.

Courts do not take denial of visitation lightly.  This may be grounds to have your orders modified.

The only way parental visitation rights or custody can be legally altered is by having a judge authorize a new a court order.

A judge will only change a standing order once they have determined there has been a significant change in circumstances that justifies the change, AND that the change is in the best interest of the child.