Custody/Visitations
There are two types of child custody: legal and physical. Under most circumstances, courts award "joint" legal custody, which means that both parents make joint decisions regarding, among other things, the children’s schooling, medical attention and religious guidance.

Physical custody governs with whom the children will reside and for what percentage of time. Normally, one parent is given "primary" physical custody, and the other parent is given "secondary" physical custody.

Traditionally, family courts are dedicated to promoting and encouraging familial relationships, therefore, parties are given the chance to come to their own agreements regarding custody and visitation issues. Also, in the interests of promoting this policy, custody and visitation schedules may include restrictions ranging from changing the area of residence to the types of activities allowed during visits. Click on an article below.

Articles

Family Court Mediation Services

Court Denies Parents' Request for Termination of
Guardianship and Gives Custody to the Child's Aunt and Uncle

Will the Court Hear What my Child Wants? Communication in Custody and Visitation Matters

Will the Court go as far as Awarding Visitation to a Non-Parent?

Who's Best Interest? The Child or Yours?

Keeping Children Together - More On Siblings Rights

New Case Governing Custodial Parent’s Right to Relocate
May Obscure Precedent

What Does It Mean to Become a "De Facto Parent"
in the Juvenile Dependency Court System?

1998 Brings Changes to the Family Code

California Supreme Court Weighs in on Moveaway Issue

Grandparent Visitation

Should O.J. Simpson Retain Custody of His Kids

Divorce and Parenting Plan

Contesting the Move Away of Minor Children

Court Must Give "Special Weight" to Parent's Child-Rearing Decisions

It is Improper to Consider a Parent's Work Obligations in Awarding

Resolving Questions of Child Custody During the Holidays

Is this a Final Child Custody Order?

What is Child Custody?