Legal Representation for Child Support & Custody Disputes
Child Custody & Visitation Mediation
Best Interests Of Your Child(ren)
Mark J. McGowan, Esq.
Mark J. McGowan is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University (1981) and of Stanford Law School (1984). He is devoutly dedicated to providing each selected client with personal, caring counsel, attentive accessibility, diligent performance and quality service.
Mark is very important in our lives. Mark is very comfortable to work with; so much so that though my wife is not very interested in such things, she is very comfortable sitting and speaking with Mark about any matter. We would highly recommend him to anyone and, in fact, became acquainted with him through a referral made by our neighbor about 12 years ago who had used Mark for many, many years, and we are very happy that she sent him our way, and absolutely would recommend him to any of our friends, relatives or neighbors.
Harry WaremanChild Custody, Child Support & Visitation Attorney, Mark J. McGowan
Your children are our first priority. We are dedicated to ensuring that their needs remain at the forefront for your child custody case.
California law allows for a broad range of custody arrangements, visitation arrangements, and child support arrangements that are as individual and varied as families themselves. As long as parents agree with the arrangements and children are thriving, the courts need not be involved in the custody and child support arrangements.
However, when parents cannot agree or when previously agreed upon arrangement are contested, families have options:
- Child custody mediation
- Court mandated child custody, visitation and support
Mediation to Reach a Child Custody and Support Arrangement
Reaching an agreement on child custody and visitation and through mediation is a preferred method for the well-being of the entire family. In mediation, a third party mediator works with the parents to come to an agreement. At the Law Offices of Mark J. McGowan, our top priority is, like yours, the best interest of the child. Our mediation services are designed to systematically come to agreements on points of disagreement until reaching a child custody arrangment that is ideal for your family.
Court Mandated Child Custody, Visitation and Child Support
If an agreement on child custody or child support cannot be reached through mediation or if parents do not want to attempt mediation, the courts then need to step in to make the decision. Parties can represent themselves in a court. However, because of the importance of the matter and the legalities surrounding child support, visitation and custody, it is wise to retain legal counsel.
Factors that the court may consider when making a decision in a child custody case include:
- Past and current conflict between the parents
- The preference of a child who is of sufficient age and capacity
- An arrangement that keeps siblings together
- The capacity for love and stability within the home
- The physical and mental condition of the parents
Race, religious beliefs, social beliefs, sexual orientation and behavior, and wealth of parents cannot be used as deciding factors in a child custody case.
At The Law Offices of Mark J. McGowan, we understand how complex and sensitive child custody cases can be. We treat every person that walks through our doors with the compassion, care and respect they deserve. You and your family are important to us, and we are committed to applying all of our resources, knowledge, and experience to reach a resolution that is in the best interest of your family.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation at 760-340-3332
Inquire by Email
Schedule your free consultation with attorney Mark J. McGowan today by calling our Palm Desert offices at 760-340-3332 or inquire by email with a brief summary of your situation, issue or question.
Visit Our Palm Desert Office
72-630 Fred Waring, Suite 201
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-340-3332
Located on west side of Fred Waring between Monterey and Hwy 111. Look for our signs on any side of the building and take the elevator to the second floor. We look forward to meeting you.
