Providing Stability in Tumultuous Times: Compassionate Custody Attorneys Serving Daly City, CA
Child custody disputes are among the most complex and emotionally charged aspects of Daly City family law, and the outcomes profoundly impact both parents and children. Maintaining rationality during negotiations can be challenging, and disputes often become contentious. The team of Daly City custody lawyers at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. are committed to providing personalized guidance and strong, steady support throughout the legal process.
California’s family law structure is designed to protect the child’s well-being above all. In custody-related decisions, courts must prioritize the child’s best interests. This can lead to heated disagreements between divorcing parents. For all Daly City custody and visitation matters, consult Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. We understand how critical these decisions are to you and your child, and we are dedicated to finding positive, sustainable solutions for your family.
Compassionate Counsel in Daly City
Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., serves clients throughout San Mateo County, including Menlo Park, South San Francisco, Burlingame, Foster City, Pacifica, and San Bruno. We approach sensitive custody matters with skill, respect, and care. We strive for superior client service, building relationships based on trust, integrity, and open communication.
Attorney Debra Schoenberg, a Certified Family Law Specialist with over 35 years of experience, leads our team. Focused exclusively on family law, our custody attorneys’ expertise covers:
- Custody evaluations
- Visitation rights, including supervised visitation
- Paternity disputes and DNA testing
- Child support determinations
- Parental alienation solutions
- Parent relocation cases
- Child abduction cases
We are dedicated to protecting and preserving your children’s health, safety, and long-term well-being while safeguarding your parental rights in custody disputes. We strive for amicable solutions but are always prepared for trial.
Understanding Child Custody in California: “Parenting Time” and Critical Decisions
California recognizes two types of custody: physical and legal.
- Legal custody: Involves the right and responsibility to make important decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and welfare.
- Physical custody: Refers to where and with whom the child lives; also referred to as “parenting time.”
Both legal and physical custody can be joint (shared) or sole (exclusive). Various combinations are possible, such as sole physical and joint legal custody.
In most cases, the court views shared custody as in the child’s best interests. However, there are many variations of shared physical custody; it may or may not be 50/50.
Cooperation between co-parents to create a parenting plan is strongly encouraged. In general, collaborating on a customized agreement benefits everyone and helps protect children from conflict and the stress of a trial. Working with a knowledgeable family lawyer helps ensure your parenting plan meets crucial guidelines and will be approved by the judge.
How Child Custody Is Determined: Prioritizing the Child’s Best Interests
Under California law, the court must always prioritize the best interests of the child by evaluating many factors, including:
- The child’s ties to each parent
- The child’s age and any health concerns
- The child’s connections to friends, family, and community
- Each parent’s physical and mental fitness
- Each parent’s ability to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent
- Any parental history of substance abuse or domestic violence
- The child’s wishes (if mature enough, typically 14+)
- The child’s health, safety, stability, and happiness are paramount. Both parents can present evidence and request psychological evaluations.
Appealing or Modifying Custody Orders: Seeking Change
You can appeal a custody order if the court made a significant error. In addition, you can seek a modification in the event of a substantial change in circumstances, such as successful substance abuse recovery.
Settlement vs. Trial: Exploring Dispute Resolution Options
California law encourages parents to create their own unique and workable parenting plans, avoiding trial whenever possible. However, if parents cannot reach an agreement, mediation is mandatory.
- Mediation: A less formal process involving parents, attorneys, and a neutral mediator, aiming for a full or partial agreement. If an agreement is reached, it is submitted to the judge for approval. Once signed, it becomes a court order.
- Trial: If other methods fail, the case goes to court and a judge decides the parenting plan.
To achieve the best results in your custody case, it is essential to have the guidance and support of a skilled Daly City divorce attorney.
Experienced and Professional Daly City Custody Lawyers
Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., has over 35 years of experience handling complex and challenging custody disputes. Our team focuses exclusively on family law, ensuring expert representation and easing your stress as you navigate these crucial and sensitive matters.
We strive to smooth and streamline the legal process, helping you feel informed, prepared, calm, and confident throughout your case. We excel at finding creative and amicable solutions to thorny problems. If litigation becomes necessary, we aggressively advocate for your rights in court. Your children’s well-being is always at the forefront of our strategic approach.
Contact us online by completing the contact form below or call (650) 761-9523 for a consultation.
