San Francisco Child Custody Lawyers

Types of Child Custody

During a child custody case, the parents must reach an agreement in regards to physical custody and legal custody.  If the parents of a child are unable to mutually agree upon a child custody arrangement, a family law judge will decide for them.   When determining a child custody arrangement, the judge’s main concern lies in protecting the child’s best interest.  The judge will consider a number of facts—each parent’s age and health, each parent’s mental stability, each parent’s income, the relationship of the child to each parent, etc.—before ruling on custody arrangement.  There are two main types of custody: physical custody and legal custody, both of which may be shared between the both parents or awarded to only one parent.

Physical Custody:  refers to which parent the child lives with

• Joint Physical Custody: the child splits his/her time living with both parents.  The amount of custody time each parent has may or may not be equal.

• Sole Physical Custody: the child only lives with one parent.  In these types of custody agreements, the other parent is usually granted visitation rights.

Legal Custody:  refers to which parent has the authority to make legal decisions on behalf of the child in regards to healthcare, religion, medical care, education, etc.

• Joint Legal Custody:  both parents have the right to make legal decisions on behalf of the child

• Sole Physical Custody: only one parent has the authority to make legal decisions

Visitation: When physical custody is granted to only one parent, the judge will usually grant visitation rights to the other parent, as long as it’s in the child’s best interest.  A visitation schedule will outline what days and times the non-custodial parent is permitted to visit the child.

Contact a San Francisco Child Custody Attorney

If you are fighting for the custody of your children, we can help.  Since establishing our San Francisco law firm we have represented many parents in the Bay Area wishing to obtain custody of their children.  We can help you prepare a strong case and convince the judge that it’s in your child’s best interest to remain in your custody.  We know that a child custody battle can be very stressful and emotionally difficult.  We are here to help you achieve a successful outcome that preserves the treasured relationship you have with your children.

To learn more about child custody, click here to contact a San Francisco Child Custody Lawyer at our firm today!