Top Los Angeles California (CA) Custody Lawyers and Attorneys

In California, child custody can be assigned in a number of ways:

• A parent may have sole legal and sole physical custody
• A parent may have joint legal and sole physical custody
• The parents may share both legal and physical custody
• The parents may share physical custody, while one parent has sole legal custody

Child Custody Lawyers for Divorce, Family Law, Family Court, Legal Separation, Parental Rights, Legal Custody and Father's Rights

Courts distinguish between “physical” and “legal” custody. If you have sole legal custody, you have the right to make decisions about the health, education, and welfare of your child. If legal custody of your child is shared, each parent is legally entitled to make such decisions. Alternatively, if you have sole physical custody, your child will reside with you under your supervision. A Court may order visitation to the parent who does not have physical custody. Courts do not make any presumption in favor of a particular type of custody, as there is wide discretion in determining a plan which protects the interests of the child.  If parties cannot agree on a child custody agreement, mediation will be ordered in an attempt to resolve issues of custody and visitation. If mediation is unsuccessful, litigation may be necessary. While a Court will follow a mediator's recommendation as to issues of child custody orders, a trial may still be necessary. It is always in your best interest to seek expert legal representation for advice during mediation and to represent you during the adversarial judicial process.