Child Custody & Visitation

Protecting your child. Protecting your role as a parent.

Few issues in family law are more emotional than custody and visitation. The outcome shapes your child’s future — and your relationship with them. In California, custody is determined based on the “best interest of the child” standard, but applying that standard can be complex and highly contested.

At the Law Office of Jennifer L. King, PC, we fight for custody and visitation outcomes that protect your child’s well-being while safeguarding your rights as a parent.

How Custody Works in California

• Legal Custody
  The right to make important decisions about a child’s health, education, and welfare. This may be joint (shared) or sole.
• Physical Custody
  Where the child lives and how parenting time is divided. Can be joint (time with both parents) or primary/sole with visitation for the other parent.
• Visitation (Parenting Time)
  A schedule for when the child spends time with each parent. This may include standard schedules, holiday divisions, or supervised visitation in high-conflict or safety-risk cases.

How Courts Decide Custody

California courts look at a variety of factors under Family Code §3011, including:

• The health, safety, and welfare of the child
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The nature and quality of each parent’s relationship with the child
• Stability and continuity in the child’s schooling and living situation
• The child’s preference (if mature enough to express one)

⚖️ Important: If there is a finding of domestic violence within the past 5 years, Family Code §3044 creates a presumption against awarding custody to the abusive parent — though it can be rebutted with evidence.

When Custody Orders May Be Modified

Custody and visitation are not set in stone. Orders may be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as:

• A parent relocating
• New work schedules
• Concerns about safety or neglect
• A child’s changing needs as they grow older

How We Help

• Building strong evidence through school records, medical records, witness testimony, and custody evaluations.
• Advocating for safe and stable parenting plans that protect the child’s best interests.
• Challenging false allegations and defending against misuse of the system.
• Negotiating settlements where possible, but litigating forcefully when necessary.

Why It Matters

Custody disputes are about more than schedules — they’re about your child’s future and your role in their life. Having an experienced advocate ensures your voice is heard and your child’s best interests are clearly presented to the court.



Facing Custody or Visitation Issues?

📧 Email brigette@blackhawklitigation.com
📞 Call (925) 648-2004

We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your options, and fight for the outcome your child — and you — deserve.