In child custody disputes in California, courts will always make the best interests of the child a top priority. If you expect to ever fight in a courtroom for the custody of your youngster or children, you can best prepare for that fight by avoiding illegal drug use, criminal behavior, and excessive consumption of alcohol. Even the hint of illicit drug use could mean losing custody of your child or children. If you’re involved in a child custody dispute in southern California – or expect to be – discuss the case at once with an experienced Orange County family law attorney.

Even though it’s not directly related to a divorce, a recent case from northern California is a reminder of how serious child welfare authorities are about parental drug use. A woman who became stranded and gave birth in a northern California national forest says she took methamphetamine to get an energy boost after delivering her daughter. Amber Pangborn, 35, told the Chico Enterprise-Record that her daughter is healthy, but Butte County Child Protective Services placed the baby in foster care. Ms. Pangborn says she’s trying to regain custody after both she and her daughter tested positive for meth. No criminal charges have been filed.

Divorce and tutelage disputes are always difficult. After a divorce, the court will modify a custody order only if one parent can prove that a modification of the tutelage order is in the best interests of the youngster. Nothing is more important than your relationship and your future with your child. Divorce is tough for both parents and children, but help and advice are available. In Orange County or anywhere else in southern California, if you are fighting for the custody of your child or children, discuss your circumstances and your legal alternatives as soon as possible with a trustworthy and experienced Orange County family law attorney.

By: Bayati Brian

Brian A. Bayati has been named three times as a top Orange County divorce attorney by OC Metro Magazine. He graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he was a judicial extern to the U.S. Court of Appeals (9th Circuit) and a public service mediator. Prior to founding Bayati Law Group, he was part of a civil litigation firm with offices across the nation. Bayati Law Group focuses exclusively on the practice of family law.