Sacramento, CA Child Custody Lawyers

If you’re navigating custody and trying to find the right arrangement for your family, our knowledgeable Sacramento child custody lawyers can help you understand your legal options, protect your parental rights, and arrive at the best possible outcome. There are many important decisions that you need to make during the custody process that can affect you and your children’s lives and relationships for years to come; our attorneys will give you wise, strategic advice you can rely on. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation!

What You Should Know About Custody In California

Custody can be the most difficult part of any divorce or family split. It’s highly emotional to come to terms with the reality of having to share your kids in any capacity, and custody is so often marked by conflict. You may be feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, and you may not be able to see clearly through the sadness, fear, or stress you are experiencing in order to make the best calls that will lay the strongest foundation for your and your children’s lives. And there are plenty of calls you need to make! 

In California, custody agreements need to lay out….

• Who the children will live with primarily, or how time will be split between residences
• Who the children will spend holidays and other special occasions with
• When both parents are able to see the children, and under what conditions
• How the children will be educated
• What the children’s religious upbringing will look like
• Which parent can claim the child on tax forms
• Who will pay for the children’s medical care (and other financial needs)
• And more. 

California divides custody into different categories: physical custody and legal custody, and sole custody and joint custody. Physical custody refers to who the children live with or spend time with, while legal custody refers to the authority to make decisions about their welfare. Sole custody means one parent has most or all of the authority in that space, while joint custody means that both parents share rights. 

Because there are so many areas involved in custody and because of these four categories, no two custody agreements may look the same. Depending on the circumstances, it may end up that one parent has sole legal custody but joint physical custody, for example. 

If you and your spouse can set aside your differences and work collaboratively together to set the terms of the custody agreement, you will have the most control over what your lives – and your children’s lives – will look like. Otherwise, a judge and family court system that doesn’t know your family history or dynamics will ultimately have the final say, taking into account things like…

• The children’s wishes, if old and mature enough to express them
• The children’s health
• The children’’s relationship to both parents
• The ability of both parents to care and provide for the children
• The living situation of both parents 
• Any past history of domestic violence, substance abuse, etc.
• The children’s relationships with extended family members
• The children’s ties to their community (school, friends, etc.)
• And more. 

Why You Should Choose Equal Justice Law Group To Represent You

If you are going to work with your spouse, you need to ensure that your parental rights are protected and that you are not getting taken advantage of (particularly when it comes to financial and support issues); if your case goes to court, you need to make a persuasive case for your interests and desired outcome. That’s where our Sacramento child custody lawyers come in! We can offer you the highest quality representation possible, regardlses of how challenging or confusing your circumstances may be. 

To us, every client is a partner, and we invite you into the legal process. We don’t use legal jargon; we communicate with you frequently and clearly so you can be empowered to move forward with confidence. We will support you every step of the way. We will equip you with the information and resources you need. We always do our best to minimize conflict and cost, but aren’t afraid to aggressively defend you if necessary. Over our 21 years of practice, we have successfully helped over 7,000 clients! You can rely on us to give you an advantage. 

Call Our Sacramento Child Custody Lawyers Today For A Free Consultation

Need help with custody? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Equal Justice Law Group right away to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation where you can get your questions answered and learn more about your next steps. We’re looking forward to speaking with you!