San Bernardino Child Custody Lawyer

Trusted Custody Representation in San Bernardino, CA

Child custody disputes can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Whether you’re facing a separation, divorce, or a disagreement over parenting rights, you need a knowledgeable child custody lawyer who understands California law and will fight for your parental rights. At Family Law Advocacy Group, we provide compassionate, strategic, and experienced representation for parents navigating even the most difficult custody matters.

Our firm proudly serves families throughout San Bernardino, offering tailored legal solutions that prioritize the well-being of your children and protect your relationship with them.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a San Bernardino child custody attorney.

What is Child Custody?

Child custody refers to the legal and practical relationship between a parent and their child. It determines:

• Who the child lives with
• Who makes important decisions about the child’s education, health care, and overall welfare
• When each parent spends time with the child

In California, custody is divided into two main categories:

• Legal Custody – decision-making authority
• Physical Custody – where the child lives and day-to-day parenting

Custody decisions can be reached through mutual agreement between parents or through court intervention. When parents disagree, the court will step in to issue orders that reflect the child’s best interests.

No child custody case is the same. That’s why having an experienced attorney who understands your goals is essential.

Different Types of Child Custody

Understanding the types of custody is crucial when preparing your parenting strategy. Courts in California generally award one of the following:

Legal Custody

This determines who makes major life decisions for the child, including medical care, schooling, and religious upbringing.

• Joint Legal Custody: Both parents share decision-making powers.
• Sole Legal Custody: One parent has full decision-making authority.

Physical Custody

This determines where the child primarily resides.

• Joint Physical Custody: The child spends significant time with both parents. This does not always mean an exact 50/50 split.
• Sole Physical Custody: The child lives with one parent, and the other may have visitation rights.

Visitation (Parenting Time)

When one parent has primary custody, the court typically awards visitation to the other. Visitation may be:

• Scheduled visitation (structured plan)
• Reasonable visitation (flexible agreement)
• Supervised visitation (required when safety concerns exist)
• No visitation (rare; only in extreme cases)

At Family Law Advocacy Group, we help parents protect their rights while prioritizing the child's emotional and physical well-being.

California Child Custody Laws

California custody laws are designed to protect children’s best interests and encourage meaningful relationships with both parents. Some key principles include:

• The Best Interests of the Child Standard: California courts focus on what arrangement benefits the child’s health, safety, and welfare. Courts do not automatically favor mothers over fathers.
• Frequent and Continuing Contact: The law encourages both parents to remain actively involved unless doing so would harm the child.
• No Preference for Gender: California does not prioritize one parent over another based on gender or marital status.
• History of Abuse or Substance Issues: If there is a history of domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, or neglect, the court may limit or supervise visitation to protect the child.
• Child’s Preference: Children aged 14 or older may express their preference to the judge, though the court makes the final decision.
• Parental Cooperation: Parents who demonstrate the ability to co-parent, communicate, and act in the child’s best interest often receive more favorable outcomes.

Because California laws are detailed and nuanced, having our San Bernardino child custody attorney by your side can make a significant difference.

How the Court Determines Child Custody in CA

When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court examines several factors, including:

Each Parent’s Ability to Care for the Child

Financial stability, home environment, and daily availability are considered.

Child’s Health, Safety, and Welfare

This is always the top priority. Any threat to the child’s safety can influence custody outcomes.

Emotional Connections

Courts evaluate the bond between the child and each parent.

Parental Behavior

The court may consider:

• Cooperation and communication
• History of violence
• Substance abuse
• Ability to promote the child’s relationship with the other parent

Stability and Continuity

Judges prefer arrangements that minimize disruptions in the child’s routine, school, home, and community.

Child’s Wishes

Depending on age and maturity, the child’s input may carry weight.

Child Custody FAQs

Can parents create their own custody agreement?

Yes. If both parents agree, the court will generally approve the arrangement as long as it serves the child’s best interests.

Can custody orders be modified?

Absolutely. If circumstances change—such as job changes, relocation, or safety concerns—either parent can request a modification.

What if one parent refuses to follow the custody order?

You can file for enforcement. Courts may impose penalties or modify custody arrangements.

Does California prefer joint custody?

California encourages joint custody when possible, but decisions depend on each family’s situation.

How long does a custody case take?

Timelines vary depending on cooperation between parents, complexity, and whether mediation or litigation is required.

Speak with a San Bernardino Child Custody Attorney Today

If you are facing a custody dispute or need guidance on your parenting rights, Family Law Advocacy Group is here to help. We provide strong advocacy, clear communication, and a child-focused approach designed to secure the best possible outcome for your family.

Call (909) 992-0188 to get started.