Why Definitions Matter If you have a California family law case that involves minor children, you should be familiar with three fundamental concepts: legal custody, physical custody, and visitation. These terms define how parents share decision-making authority and parenting time. Understanding what each term means is essential for navigating custody negotiations, mediation, and court proceedings….

The Best Interest of the Child Standard Legal Custody, physical custody and visitation decisions are broadly governed by the best interest of the child. Family Code section 3011 sets forth the factors the court must consider. The standard is intentionally flexible, giving judicial officers broad discretion. Family Code Section 3011: The Core Factors The court…

The Move-Away Issue One of the most contentious and emotionally charged issues in California family law is when a custodial parent wants to relocate with the children to a different city, state, or country. These cases, known as move-away cases, pit the relocating parent’s right to move against the other parent’s right to maintain a…