Child Custody in California
“Sole Physical Custody” means that a child is residing with only one of the two parents. The child (or children, as the case may be) is under the exclusive control of the custodial parent, and the other parent receives “visitation.”
“Joint Physical Custody” means that each of the parents receives significant custodial time with the child or children.
California Family Code section 3010 provides that both parents “are equally entitled to the custody of the child.” Our mediation process provides a forum for parents to logically discuss, and agree upon, a child custody plan that is in the best interest of the child(ren) without engaging in the adversarial process of litigation.
When utilizing the mediation process, parents can decide upon a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the minor child(ren) rather than having to follow the court’s custody decision. The court’s custody mediators make recommendations based upon information gathered in brief meetings with both parents. Their recommendations can be based upon limited information about the child(ren) and/or the family dynamic. If parents cannot agree upon a parenting plan, the court will make a custody decision for them. Wouldn’t you rather decide what’s best for your family?