Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC Serving Los Angeles
Visitation Rights
Child Visitation Attorney in Los Angeles
A Board-Certified Family Law Specialist & Former CPA, Fighting for Your Parenting Time
A visitation order does more than set a calendar. It defines how present each parent is in a child’s life, and in California it directly affects how guideline child support is calculated. At Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC, we handle child visitation matters in Los Angeles and Santa Monica with that full picture in mind, addressing both the parenting plan itself and the financial obligations that run alongside it.
Our lead attorney brings a credential that matters for this kind of work: he is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS), certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and a former Certified Public Accountant. He can analyze a proposed parenting-time schedule and recognize how shifting the timeshare percentage can affect the child support number. We can.
If you’re facing a visitation dispute or need a parenting plan drafted, call us at (213) 798-4854 or use our contact form to request a free consultation.
Why Los Angeles Parents Work With Our Firm
With over 46 years of combined legal experience, our firm has guided clients through contested custody hearings, negotiated parenting plans, and enforcement proceedings across Los Angeles County. Clients work directly with one attorney from the initial consultation through the conclusion of the case. You won’t be transferred to a paralegal or handed off between attorneys partway through your matter.
Our lead attorney’s CPA background is particularly relevant when visitation and child support are being decided simultaneously. In California, the percentage of time a child spends with each parent, the timeshare, is one of the factors used in calculating guideline child support. A schedule that looks fair on paper may carry unintended financial consequences. We evaluate both before agreeing to anything.
Types of Visitation Orders Under California Law
California family courts issue visitation orders tailored to each family’s circumstances. Understanding the available options helps parents enter court proceedings with realistic expectations.
The four main types of visitation orders:
Scheduled visitation: A fixed calendar specifying days, times, holidays, and vacations. This is the most common structure when parents can’t agree informally.
Reasonable visitation: An open-ended arrangement leaving the details to the parents to work out. This requires ongoing cooperation and communication.
Supervised visitation: A third party must be present during visits. Courts typically order this when there are documented concerns about domestic violence, substance abuse, or a parent’s extended absence from the child’s life.
No visitation: Ordered in limited circumstances where any contact, even supervised, would endanger the child’s health or safety.
Under California Family Code Section 3011, courts weigh the child’s health, safety, and welfare above all else. Judges also consider any history of abuse, the nature and frequency of each parent’s existing contact with the child, and whether either parent has a pattern of substance abuse. This is the best interest of the child standard, and it governs contested visitation decisions in Los Angeles courts.
Family Court Services Mediation in Los Angeles County
Before a contested custody or visitation matter reaches a judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court requires both parents to attend mediation through Family Court Services (FCS). This step is mandatory. If the parents reach an agreement, the mediator submits the signed parenting plan to the court. If they don’t, the case proceeds to a hearing.
FCS mediation is confidential. The mediator doesn’t report the substance of what was discussed to the judge, which gives both parents room to negotiate without fear that their statements will be used against them. The Family Law Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court operates out of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles, and Family Court Services maintains a mediation location in Santa Monica as well. We represent clients through the FCS process and, when an agreement isn’t reached, through the hearing that follows.
Modifying or Enforcing a Visitation Order in Los Angeles
Once a Los Angeles court issues a visitation order, both parents are legally required to follow it. Denying court-ordered visitation without a subsequent court order generally isn’t permitted. Disputes over child support, disagreements about a parent’s new relationship, or general frustration with the other parent don’t create a legal basis for withholding parenting time.
When a parent violates a visitation order, or when circumstances have changed enough to justify a different arrangement, a Request for Order filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court sets the process in motion. Courts may modify an existing custody or visitation order when a parent can demonstrate a significant change in circumstances since the original order was issued. We help clients enforce orders that are being ignored and petition for modifications when life has shifted in ways the original parenting plan didn’t anticipate.
“Everyone was very attentive and accommodating. I truly recommend him and his firm.”
“Everyone was very attentive and accommodating. I truly recommend him and his firm.”
M.Z.
“Lended a hand when I needed it most.”
A divorce or separation is the hardest thing a family can go through. I was terrified for my children and felt lost and scared. Thankfully, I found the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. The staff made me feel comfortable and clarified all my questions about separation and custody. They represented me well in court and worked with my budget. Forever thankful for their support.
J.M.
“Professional, kindhearted, and timely service.”
I struggled with two other lawyers for two years. The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC, ended the bullying and delays. This team is professional, respectable, and kindhearted. They expertly handled my case, securing a favorable outcome. Highly recommend!
R.P.
“level-headed and professional”
Thank you to Ken Reyes and his colleague Gabriella Castro for their exceptional service, hard work and unwavering dedication to my case. Divorce settlements are never easy or clear cut and both Ken and Gabriella spent time to explain every detail and remained strong, level-headed and professional during the heated back and forth with the opposing law firm. I was very satisfied with the overall outcome of my case and highly recommend Ken and team for all legal issues. Thank you Ken. Keep up the great work and I look forward to working with you again in the future.
J.C.
“He also helped me with my petition for my wife and my youngest son. They are now here in California with me.”
“He also helped me with my petition for my wife and my youngest son. They are now here in California with me.”
R.L.
“Caring, compassionate, and professional.”
Being in a tough situation, I didn't know where to begin to file for divorce. The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC was the first listing in my search. They were willing to assist me in my long-distance divorce. Their staff was very instrumental in handling our communications, and I was always able to speak to a live person when needed. They explained each process and step clearly. The firm even made payment allowances until my house was sold. They successfully handled unexpected challenges and won funds for me. I highly recommend their services; they handle cases with great care.
Martha R.
“He also worked with my budget since I was on my own and had no financial support from anyone I only counted with my income.”
“He also worked with my budget since I was on my own and had no financial support from anyone I only counted with my income.”
Our firm knows Los Angeles family law courts and prepares clients for how local judges approach custody and visitation matters. That familiarity shapes how we draft parenting plans, frame arguments, and advise clients before they walk into a mediation session or courtroom. Whether you’re establishing a parenting plan for the first time, disputing a proposed schedule, or seeking to enforce an order the other parent isn’t following, we can help. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles and in Santa Monica.
Call (213) 798-4854 or submit our contact form to schedule your free consultation with a Los Angeles child visitation lawyer.
