Child Custody Your Divorce. Your Choices.

SAN DIEGO CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER

Top-Rated Legal Support for Child Custody in San Diego

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.

Understanding Child Custody Types in California

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.

Child Custody Determination: Best Interests of the Child

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

Gender Neutrality in California Child Custody Law

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

Criteria for Determining Parental Fitness 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.

Advocating for Your Child's Best Interests in San Diego

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.

Choose Family Law San Diego for Compassionate Advocacy

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

Get Expert Child Custody Guidance in San Diego

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.

Contact Us Today for a Free Child Custody Consultation in San Diego

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

Further Insights on Child Custody Issues

Commonly Asked Questions

Are mothers favored in child custody cases in California?

No, California child custody laws are gender-neutral and do not favor mothers over fathers. The court's primary concern is the child's best interests, regardless of the parent's gender. The court evaluates each parent's ability to care for the child and considers various factors without bias towards either parent.

What factors may lead to a parent being deemed unfit in California?

In California, a parent may be considered unfit if they exhibit behaviors or circumstances that negatively impact the child's well-being. This can include an inability to make age-appropriate decisions for the child, lack of responsiveness to the child's needs, minimal involvement in the child's life, unwillingness to cooperate with the other parent, a history of child abuse or domestic violence, substance abuse issues, mental illness that affects the child's welfare, or unhealthy social behaviors.

LEADERS IN FAMILY LAW

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.

  • Their stellar reputation in the community is a testament to their dedication

    “Their team of dedicated attorneys brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of family law, ensuring clients receive top-notch legal representation.”

    - Claude
  • I can’t thank them enough for bringing me such relief.

    “I hope I don’t have the need but if life hits me with a curveball I now have my team to represent me and my family.”

    - Miriam
  • They listened to my mother's situation with genuine compassion

    “You can really tell they really care about their clients, and it shows in their work, we truly had the best possible outcome.”

    - Carolina
  • They handled my divorce case with incredible expertise and professionalism

    “Their dedication to achieving the best possible outcome was evident throughout the process, and they truly went above and beyond to alleviate my stress”

    - Jasmine
  • We felt like we were in great hands the entire time.

    “I am grateful to have had them on my side during this difficult time and would recommend them to anyone”

    - Frank
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