Burbank Child Custody Attorney 

Helping Parents Protect Their Relationships With Their Children

When a relationship ends, questions about where your children will live and how decisions will be made can feel overwhelming. As a parent in Burbank, you may be worried about losing time with your child or not being heard in court. You may also be unsure how California law really works when it comes to custody.

At Law Offices of Makupson & Howard, we focus our practice on family law, including child custody, visitation, and parenting plans. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of cumulative experience to parents who need steady guidance through difficult transitions. We work to explain your options clearly, help you prepare for each step, and keep the focus on what is best for your children.

Whether you are just beginning a separation or already have a court date, our goal is to help you move from uncertainty to a more stable plan for your family.

To speak with our experienced Burbank child custody lawyers, call us at (888) 328-2734 or contact us online today. 

Why Parents Choose Our Firm

Choosing a child custody lawyer is not only about legal knowledge. It is about finding a team that understands the emotional weight of parenting disputes and takes the time to understand your family. Our firm offers a boutique model, which means we limit the number of matters we take so we can give each case meaningful attention.

Our attorneys have more than five decades of combined family law experience, including complex custody disputes, contested divorces, and long term co parenting arrangements. This multigenerational perspective allows us to recognize patterns and concerns that often arise for parents at different stages of life. Under the guidance of Managing Partner Kristen Howard, we begin each matter by listening carefully to your story, your children’s needs, and your long term goals.

Many parents want to avoid a drawn out courtroom battle whenever possible. We understand that, and we work to resolve custody issues through negotiation and mediation when that approach can protect your children and your rights. At the same time, some cases require clear advocacy in court. Our team is prepared to represent you before the Los Angeles County Superior Court family law division that typically serves Burbank residents, and we prepare thoroughly for hearings when they become necessary.

Because we are a focused family law firm, we remain engaged with California family law associations and ongoing legal education. This ongoing involvement helps us stay current on developments that may affect custody arrangements, parenting time, and related court procedures. For parents, this translates into advice that is grounded in current law and informed by many years of practical experience.

How California Courts View Child Custody

Understanding how courts look at custody can help you focus your energy where it matters most. In California, custody has two main parts. Legal custody covers who makes important decisions about a child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody addresses where the child lives and how time is shared between parents.

Legal and physical custody can be joint or sole, and there are many possible combinations. Courts in California, including the Los Angeles County Superior Court family law division, apply the best interests of the child standard. This means the court looks at what arrangement is most likely to support your child’s health, safety, and emotional well being, rather than automatically favoring one parent.

Judges often consider a range of factors. These may include the child’s age, health, and ties to school and community, each parent’s history of caregiving, the ability of each parent to provide a stable home, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. The court may also look at how well each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other parent, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

As a custody attorney Burbank parents can work with, we help present a clear and honest picture of your involvement in your children’s lives. We work with you to organize information about daily routines, school commitments, medical needs, and existing parenting patterns. Our goal is to help you understand what the court may focus on and to help you make thoughtful decisions that reflect your child’s needs as well as your own responsibilities.

Steps To Take In A Custody Dispute

When a custody dispute begins, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Parents often worry that any wrong move could be used against them later. Taking a few practical steps early can help protect your children and support your position in court.

In many cases that involve parents living in Burbank, filings and hearings will be scheduled through Los Angeles County Superior Court. The court may require mediation through its services before a judge hears your case. Travel, work schedules, and children’s school responsibilities can all affect how you plan for those dates, which is why it helps to have guidance from a custody lawyer Burbank parents can rely on for local insight.

Helpful steps to consider as a custody matter begins:

• Keep communication with the other parent child focused and avoid inflammatory language in texts, emails, or social media.
• Follow any existing court orders or written agreements as closely as possible, unless doing so would place your child at risk.
• Document your involvement in your child’s life, including school activities, medical appointments, and daily routines.
• Avoid talking about court details in front of your child, and provide age appropriate reassurance rather than blame.
• Gather important documents, such as school records, medical information, and any prior court paperwork, in one place.

Every family’s situation is different, and the steps you should take can depend on safety concerns, communication patterns, and the stage of your case. We work with parents to tailor these general guidelines to their specific circumstances, including preparing for required mediation sessions and any potential hearings in Los Angeles County. Our aim is to help you feel more prepared and less reactive as your matter moves forward.

Our Approach To Burbank Custody Cases

When you work with our firm, we begin by learning about your family in detail. We want to understand your child’s temperament, health, school life, and important relationships, as well as your work schedule and support network. This conversation helps us see what kind of parenting plan may be realistic and supportive for your child. It also helps us identify issues that could arise in negotiations or in court.

From there, we talk with you about your goals. Some parents want to preserve a schedule that has been working for years. Others are concerned about safety in the other household, relocation requests, or major changes in work hours. As a child custody attorney Burbank parents turn to, we work to align strategy with your priorities, while also giving candid feedback about what may be practical in the legal system.

In many matters, we begin by exploring settlement options. This can involve informal discussions between counsel, participation in court connected mediation, or private mediation when appropriate. Our attorneys prepare carefully for these conversations, because a well crafted parenting plan can reduce stress for your family over the long term. When a reasonable agreement is not possible, we are ready to present your position in court, organize testimony and exhibits, and help you prepare for appearances in the Los Angeles County family law courts that handle cases from Burbank.

Throughout the process, communication remains a priority. We explain what to expect before each step, from mediation sessions to status conferences or evidentiary hearings. We strive to return calls and emails promptly and to provide updates when there are developments in your matter. For many parents, knowing that a child custody lawyer Burbank based and focused on family law is walking alongside them can ease some of the uncertainty that comes with these important decisions.

To speak with our experienced Burbank child custody lawyers, call us at (888) 328-2734 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do California courts decide child custody?

Courts generally decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges consider factors such as the child’s health and safety, ties to school and community, each parent’s caregiving history, and any safety concerns. We help you understand these factors and present your situation clearly.

Will I have to go to court for custody?

Many custody matters involve both mediation and at least one court appearance. Some parents reach agreements in mediation that the judge later approves. Others require hearings for temporary or final orders. We explain what is likely in your case and prepare you for each step.

How can your firm help protect my time with my child?

We work with you to document your role in your child’s life and to propose parenting schedules that reflect your child’s needs and your responsibilities. When needed, we advocate in negotiations and court to support arrangements that maintain strong, healthy parent child relationships.

What should I do right now if a custody case is starting?

It helps to stay calm, follow any current orders, and avoid negative comments about the other parent in front of your child. Save important messages and organize school and medical records. Then contact our firm so we can review your situation and discuss a plan.

Can you help if my custody order needs to change?

Yes, we handle modifications when circumstances change, such as new work schedules, relocations, or evolving needs of your child. Courts typically look for a significant change before altering orders. We evaluate your situation and advise whether a modification request may be appropriate.

Talk With Our Team About Your Next Steps

If you are facing a child custody decision in or around Burbank, you do not have to navigate it on your own. Our family law attorneys can explain your options, help you prepare for mediation or court, and work with you to pursue an arrangement that supports your child’s stability and your role as a parent.

The first conversation is your opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns. We will listen carefully, explain how California custody law may apply to your situation, and outline potential paths forward. Our goal is to give you clear information so you can make informed choices about your family and your future.

To speak with our experienced Burbank child custody lawyers, call us at (888) 328-2734 or contact us online today.