Are you involved in a child custody case in Orange County, California? When people are beginning their fight for child custody, they often have some questions. One of the frequently asked questions is how long they should expect the custody battle to last. They want to know the average length of a child custody court case. While there is not an easy answer to this question, there are several factors to consider to get an idea of what to should expect.
Factors that Affect the Length of Custody Battles
- Whether or Not it Takes Place in Court: Not all custody battles occur in the courtroom. If the divorcing parents work with their divorce attorneys to come to a resolution, they don’t need to go to court. Sometimes the divorce attorneys can negotiate an agreement everyone can agree to without escalating the matter to the courtroom. Agreeing outside of the courtroom is much faster than seeking resolution through the court. There are several trial dates. The courts are busy, and hearings get rescheduled. It’s not unheard of for five court dates to be spaced out over 18 months.
- Where You Are Located: Depending on where you filed for divorce, the court system may schedule trials quicker than other areas. Some counties are busier than others, and the process will take longer in these areas.
- The Judge Assigned to the Case: The Judge plays an essential role in the case and the length of the custody battle. Some judges take their time deliberating, which means they are carefully considering the details of your case. It also means a more prolonged custody battle. The Judge may require your appearance in court on multiple occasions, or it may be just one appearance. Some judges come to a decision quickly, and others require more time.
- The Attorney Handling Your Case: The level of skill and experience of both attorneys involved in the case can impact the length of the child custody battle. If you have a great divorce attorney on your side, it benefits your case and your ability to reach a resolution quicker. If the opposing party has a great attorney, it can make it more challenging to reach a resolution you will be able to accept.
- The Details of Your Case: The specific situation being considered in your child custody battle is important when attempting to determine how long it will take to resolve. In some cases, there is a history of violence. This type of history could make the Judge’s decision easier. When there is a reason for the Judge to consider one parent unfit, the custody case could end sooner than expected.
Do you need help with your Orange County child custody case? Get in touch with one of the experienced divorce attorneys at Maggio Law today so we can assist you in preparing your case.