Child Custody Your Divorce. Your Choices.

San Diego Child Custody Lawyer

Award-Winning Child Custody Attorneys Serving San Diego, California

Smiling girl hugs her father while her sitting mother smiles in the background.The question of who has custody over your child is likely the most important, most emotionally distressing question you will ever have to answer in the divorce process. The stakes involved means there is no margin for error—how your child custody case is presented or how you craft the agreement could affect your family's lives for decades to come. Thankfully, you have an ally with our San Diego child custody lawyers at Family Law San Diego.

Call (619) 577-4900 today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced San Diego child custody lawyer today.

Types of Child Custody in CA

In the state of California, there are two types of child custody:

  • Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make decisions about the child’s life, such as decisions with their health, education, and welfare.
  • Physical custody refers to a parent’s right to spend time with and live with their child.

Our child custody lawyers serving San Diego have decades of collective experience that we put to work for our clients to fiercely and relentlessly protect their futures. We create child custody agreements that are innovative, creative, and above all, uphold your child's best interests.

How Does the Court Determine Child Custody in California?

When it comes to child custody in San Diego, the Family Courts throughout San Diego County are led by one question: what is in the best interests of your child? Every custody case hinges on proving that a parent is the person to guide and care for a child. Your San Diego child custody lawyers will have to present your case before the court if there is no agreement and believe you should have primary custody (or additional custody in a modification case).

Judges will use the following criteria in order to evaluate your claim:
  • Each parent's lifestyle
  • Each parent's financial situation
  • The child's choice (if old enough)
  • How healthy each parent is (mentally and physically)
  • The ability of each parent to provide food and shelter
  • The relationship between each parent and the child
  • Any record of domestic violence or substance abuse
  • How disruptive each parent's lifestyle is to the child's

Is California a Mother or Father State?

Since the court determines child custody based on the best interests of the child, California child custody laws do not inherently favor either parent.

What Makes a Parent Unfit In California?

The California court may deem a parent unfit if he or she demonstrates any of the following:

  • An inability to make age-appropriate parenting decisions;
  • A lack of understanding or response to the child’s needs;
  • Insufficient historical involvement in the child’s life;
  • An unwillingness to cooperate with the other parent when it comes to the child’s best interests;
  • A history of child abuse or domestic violence;
  • Issues with substance abuse;
  • A mental illness that interferes with the child’s wellbeing; and/or
  • Unhealthy social behaviors.

To speak with an experienced San Diego child custody lawyer, give us a call at (619) 577-4900 or contact us online today.

Protect Your Child's Best Interests

When it comes to child custody, the most important factor is always the well-being and best interests of your child. At Family Law San Diego, our experienced child custody attorneys are dedicated to advocating for your child's rights and ensuring their safety and happiness.

Our team understands that child custody cases can be emotionally challenging and complex. We are here to guide you through the legal process, providing compassionate support and expert advice every step of the way.

With our extensive knowledge of California child custody laws and our track record of success, you can trust us to fight for the outcome that is in your child's best interests. We will work tirelessly to protect their rights and secure a fair and favorable custody arrangement.

By choosing Family Law San Diego, you are choosing a team that is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of child custody proceedings and achieve the best possible outcome for your child. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled child custody lawyers in San Diego.

Why Turn to Family Law San Diego

Our child custody lawyers serving San Diego are known for our two sides: we are kindhearted and compassionate when it comes to our clients, but we are aggressive, commanding litigators in the courts. When our client’s and their family's well-being are at stake, we do not cut corners and we do not back down.

Our representation has been honored time and again by the legal community, including:
  • Perfect 10.0 "Superb" Avvo rating
  • Inclusion in Super Lawyers®
  • 3-time inclusion in Best of the Bar in San Diego Business Journal
  • Voted Best Overall Law Firm in San Diego by readers and residents
  • Board Certification in Family Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization

Our San Diego Child Custody Lawyers Can Help

Let our San Diego child custody lawyers provide your options and choices. In the beginning stages of your case, our attorney's primary role is empowering you with information. Most people know their legal options once an attorney clarifies them. Our San Diego attorneys for child custody cases can also help educate you on your case's intricacies, equipping you to make confident and well-informed decisions.

Call (619) 577-4900 Today for a Free Consultation, or Contact Us Online to Schedule an Appointment With a Skilled Child Custody Lawyer in San Diego!

We have our primary office in La Mesa and a satellite office in La Jolla available by appointment!

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REASONS TO WORK WITH Family Law San Diego
  • Comprehensive

    As skilled litigators, mediators, and negotiators, our firm is prepared to handle any type of family law case.

  • Collaborative

    Working together, we pull from our unique backgrounds and resources to achieve the best results possible.

  • Innovative

    We create tailor-made solutions to fit the unique needs of every client and help them move forward favorably.

  • Dedicated

    We are committed to serving a diverse clientele, all the while protecting the interests and fulfilling the needs of clients.

  • I would absolutely recommend this firm!

    “I had the honor of speaking with Mr. Klueck this afternoon. He generously listened to me and gave me helpful advice. I would absolutely recommend this firm for any of your family law needs. You will ...”

    - Gerilyn H.
  • It was a joy to work with him and the entire firm!

    “Aaron was so helpful in getting what we needed done in a timely and communicative manner and it was a joy to work with him and the entire firm!”

    - Nina F.
  • We were successful, despite the opposing party's contention. Thank you again to Garrison Kleuck and his entire team.

    “I needed to hire a lawyer to assist with having my daughter's last name changed. Family Law San Diego' handled everything for me. We were successful, despite the opposing party's contention. Thank you ...”

    - Jennifer B.
  • I appreciate all the hard work everyone demonstrated during my legal issue, first and foremost Garrison!

    “Garrison Klueck is an excellent attorney. I had an outstanding experience in all my interactions with Garrison Klueck. I had a difficult situation and he masterfully navigated throughout the entire ...”

    - Jean M.
  • It feels good to have you on our side.

    “I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for representing me today at court. You did an outstanding job explaining what was best in deciding on the outcome to end this long matter of ...”

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