Child Custody

Experienced Family Law Attorneys

SAN DIEGO CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER

Helping Clients With Child Custody Matters in Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, & Carlsbad, CA

Child custody is commonly one of the most difficult and distressing issues in a California divorce or between unmarried parents. For many parents, the stakes are high as well as the emotions evoked by this issue. You naturally want what is best for your child and may feel your parental rights could be threatened by the outcome. The outcome could dramatically impact the future and getting it right at the outset can spare further stress and disagreement down the line.

At Hargreaves & Taylor LLP, our San Diego child custody attorney understands your fears, concerns, and uncertainty when facing the issue of child custody. Because our firm’s founders are Board Certified Family Law Specialists, you can be assured that we have the advanced qualifications to protect your parental rights and future with your child aggressively. Our understanding of the law in this field is deep, and our family law experience in court and at the negotiation table is extensive. Our San Diego child custody lawyer will work relentlessly to help you secure a custody arrangement specific to your and your child(ren) needs.


SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR TRUSTED FAMILY LAW TEAM ABOUT YOUR CHILD CUSTODY CASE TODAY. CONTACT US ONLINE OR AT (619) 374-4442 TO GET STARTED.


How is Child Custody Determined in California?

Child custody refers to your rights and responsibilities in raising your children. It consists of two parts: 

  • Legal custody. This refers to the legal authority a parent has in making major decisions regarding a child’s life, such as health care, education, extracurricular activities, travel, and religious upbringing.
  • Physical custody. This refers to the legal right a parent has to spend time with the child, usually through a parenting plan that involves scheduled overnights. 

Child custody can be shared between parents or awarded solely to one parent, depending on the circumstances. The court’s overarching guideline in deciding custody arrangements is the child’s best interest. Courts generally prefer joint custody, where the child’s relationship with both parents is maintained; this is considered stabilizing for children. Only in cases where it is determined that it may pose a safety risk to the child due to a parent’s history of domestic violence or substance abuse would a court rule against this.

You and the other parent can devise your detailed parenting plan and present it to the court for approval. As long as it adheres to the rule of “best interests of the child,” it is likely granted. However, where you and the other parent cannot agree, a judge will decide based on a review of many factors. These factors can range from lifestyle to financial situation, the child’s age and relationship with each parent, the fitness of each parent, the child’s current schooling, afterschool activities, community relationships, and more.

Our child custody lawyers serving San Diego are known for their legal expertise, thorough case preparation, negotiation and litigation skills, and dedication to clients. Let our lawyers use our abundant skills and talents to help you seek an optimum custody and visitation arrangement.

Creating a Co-Parenting Plan For Your Child's Well-Being

At Hargreaves & Taylor LLP, we understand that child custody cases can be emotionally challenging for both parents and children involved. Our experienced child custody lawyers are here to help you navigate through this process and create a co-parenting plan that prioritizes your child's well-being.

A well-crafted co-parenting plan can:

  • Promote stability and consistency for your child
  • Establish clear guidelines for parenting responsibilities and decision-making
  • Address visitation schedules and holiday arrangements
  • Encourage effective communication between parents
  • Provide a framework for resolving disputes and making modifications as your child grows

Our dedicated team will work closely with you to understand your unique situation and develop a co-parenting plan that is tailored to your family's needs. We strive to create a positive and nurturing environment for your child, even during the challenging times of divorce or separation.

Contact Our Child Custody Attorney in San Diego Today

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our child custody lawyers at Hargreaves & Taylor LLP. We are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to protect your child's best interests.


SET UP YOUR CONSULTATION WITH OUR CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS LAWYERS SERVING SAN DIEGO AT HARGREAVES & TAYLOR LLP TODAY!