Child Custody in California

We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with California professionals that will help you fight for your rights as a parent.

What Is Child Custody?

When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In California, not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in California

There are three main types of arrangements that can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. In California, the Superior Courts have jurisdiction over child custody, which is typically handled in the Family Law Division. California has 58 Superior Courts, one per county.

What Is Full Custody?

In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.

Under California Family Code, the courts do not automatically give full custody to either the mother or the father, no matter the age or sex of the children. When deciding full custody, the court will consider the age and health of the child, and the child’s ties to school, home, and community. Emotional ties between the parents and the child are also considered, along with any history of family violence or substance abuse. When seeking modifications to an existing custody order, you should file a petition with the Superior Court that issued the order. However, a judge will typically only consider modifications if there has been a significant change in circumstances.

Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent can still be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.

What Is Sole Custody?

Most people do not differentiate between one parent getting the overwhelming majority of the parenting time or rights and sole custody. However, it is important to note the possibility of some parents getting no parenting time or rights at all. The court will provide one parent with sole physical custody if the other parent is deemed an unfit parent.

In some cases, the court may go as far as to terminate the rights of the other parent. This may occur if the parent gets convicted of particular crimes that might endanger a child. An example is child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct with a child. California state laws vary on what might result in parental termination.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.

According to the California Courts, a judge can grant joint legal custody, but not joint physical custody. This means that both parents share the responsibility for making key life decisions for the child. But, the child lives with one parent most of the time. When making a joint custody decision, the judge cannot consider the immigration status, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation of a parent. However, the judge will consider factors such as the ability of the parents to care for the child, the parents’ wishes, the child’s wishes, and the child’s ties to school, home and community.

In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to be made in regard to the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.

The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision

In California, full custody is often awarded when one parent isn’t able to contribute to the responsibilities with raising the child. For example, if a parent is physically incarcerated, doesn’t have financial stability, or is involved in situations that may potentially hurt the child, the court may grant one parent full or sole custody. Due to these more extreme circumstances.

On the other hand, the parents are often provided joint custody. Both parents assume the responsibilities that are required to raise a healthy and happy child. Both parents need to be able to work together to maintain consistent communication and follow the directions of the court. Sometimes parents do not work well together. Then the court is sometimes more likely to award one parent the majority of the parenting time to reduce friction.

With any California joint custody case, both parents need to coordinate resources and activities to support the needs of the child. Because, the situation of your custody arrangements might vary. There may be supervised custody arrangements for one parent. Another option is a public meeting place for the child to be picked up and dropped off with the other parent.

The Basics of the California Child Custody Process 

Custody arrangements are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents are able to come together to find a solution that works well for the child without needing to involve the court system.

Family Court Services, part of your local Superior Court, provides mediation for custody disputes free of cost.  The goals of mediation are to help develop a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the child. Ideally one that gives both parents time with the child. Mediators can help you focus on the important issues, and help you learn ways to deal with anger and resentment. The mediator will also share information on the needs of children at different stages of development. If you cannot agree on a plan in mediation, the judge will make an order at a hearing.

Working with a custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement. One that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced California child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.

Work With an Experienced California Child Custody Lawyer 

A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. An California lawyer that specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.

Your chances of seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely with an attorneys help. If you’re looking to hire an experienced California child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.

The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across California state lines. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!