Child Custody Lawyers in San Francisco
Our custody attorneys fight for stable, safe parenting arrangements that support your child's well-being. Serving families across the Bay Area.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat Factors Determine Custody in California?
California Family Code Section 3011 sets out the main factors courts must weigh when determining custody. The focus is always on the child’s health, safety, and emotional well-being, as well as creating stability.
Courts will review:
- The child’s health, safety, and welfare.
- Any history of abuse or domestic violence.
- The nature and frequency of each parent’s contact with the child.
- Each parent’s stability and ability to co-parent.
- Continuity of relationships. Maintaining strong bonds with both parents is generally considered beneficial for children.
- Potential risk factors, such as concerns about child abduction.
At Bay Area Law Group, we guide clients through this process by documenting their parenting history, organizing supporting evidence, and presenting clear, fact-based arguments. Our goal is to align the court’s standards with your desired outcome, whether that means securing more parenting time, protecting your child’s safety, or ensuring a stable routine that works for your family.
What Are the Types of Custody Arrangements?
There is no one-size-fits-all custody plan. Courts allow flexibility so that parenting plans can be tailored to the child’s needs and the family’s circumstances.
Common arrangements include:
- Legal Custody Order: specifies who has decision making authority over the child’s education, health and welfare. Legal custody can be joint where both parents share the legal decision making authority, or awarded solely to one parent.
- Physical Custody Order: specifies where the child primarily resides, and who provides daily care. Physical custody can be joint, where both parents have significant periods of physical custody of the child, or sole, with the child living primarily with one parent.
- Visitation Order: Court order that specifies the time and manner in which parents may spend time with the child. This can sometimes include detailed schedules for weekends, holidays and school breaks, as well as details around exchanges, like who drops off or picks up the child or where the exchange location will be.
At Bay Area Law Group, we advocate for you in building a custody plan that works for your family. We balance the legal requirements with the practical realities of parenting after separation. If an agreement with the other parent is possible, we help you negotiate terms that are fair, workable, and legally sound. If not, we are ready to present your case in court and push for an order that protects your relationship with your child and supports their best interests.
When Should You Hire a Child Custody Attorney?
Many parents reach out to us at the start of a divorce, or when a co-parent’s actions become unpredictable. But you don’t have to wait for a crisis. Getting legal support early helps you avoid mistakes and puts you in a stronger position no matter how your case develops. Whether you’re working toward a negotiated parenting plan or preparing to present your case in court, an attorney ensures your rights are protected and that the outcome is legally sound and enforceable.
Common signs it’s time to consult a custody lawyer include:
- Your co-parent is not following the current custody arrangement
- There are safety concerns involving your child
- You need to relocate with your child
- Your ex is attempting to limit your time with your child
- There are disagreements about major decisions (school, medical care, religion)
- You’re going through a divorce and need a parenting plan
At Bay Area Law Group, we act quickly when urgent issues arise, including filing emergency orders to protect children. We also take the lead in negotiations or litigation, making sure your case is presented clearly and strategically. We represent clients in San Francisco, Oakland, Daly City, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose, Palo Alto, Hillsborough, Atherton, Belmont, Piedmont, and across the Bay Area.
What If You Need to Change an Existing Custody Order?
Custody orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. A parent’s relocation, a new work schedule, changes in the child’s schooling, or evolving emotional and developmental needs can all provide a legal basis to revisit custody.
At Bay Area Law Group, we help parents gather the documentation and evidence courts require to justify a modification. While judges value stability, they will approve changes when the facts show it’s best for the child. We file timely motions, guide negotiations, and, when needed, present your case in contested hearings to protect your rights and your child’s well-being.
How We Support Parents in High-Conflict Custody Disputes
Some custody cases involve more than just scheduling disagreements—they carry conflict, resentment, or real safety concerns. We represent parents dealing with difficult co-parenting dynamics, repeated violations of custody orders, or efforts by the other parent to undermine or alienate the child’s relationship with them.
At Bay Area Law Group, we document concerns thoroughly, file the right court requests, and involve experts such as custody evaluators or therapists when needed. Our approach keeps the child’s well-being at the center while ensuring your rights as a parent are protected. We advocate firmly in negotiations and, if required, in court to secure orders that provide stability and safeguard your role in your child’s life.
Why Parents Work With Bay Area Law Group
Parents facing custody disputes need more than general advice—they need strong legal protection and practical strategies. At Bay Area Law Group, we focus on what matters most: protecting your relationship with your child and securing a custody plan that works in real life.
We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and guide you with confidence.
What sets us apart:
- Direct access to experienced family law attorneys—not case managers
- Deep knowledge of Bay Area family courts and local judges
- Strategic, fact-based advocacy in negotiations and at trial
- Clear communication and responsive service throughout your case
We know how the courts work, and we position your case to achieve the strongest possible outcome whether through settlement or in trial.
Child Custody Cases We Handle
| Case Type | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Custody Orders | Establishing custody and visitation arrangements during divorce or separation | Parents going through divorce who need a parenting plan |
| Custody Modifications | Changing existing custody orders when circumstances have substantially changed | Parents who need to adjust custody due to relocation, schedule changes, or child needs |
| High-Conflict Custody | Complex cases involving parental alienation, safety concerns, or repeated violations | Parents dealing with difficult co-parent dynamics or order violations |
| Emergency Custody Orders | Urgent court orders when a child's safety is at immediate risk | Parents facing domestic violence or child endangerment situations |
| Relocation Cases | Legal guidance when a parent needs to move with the child | Parents who need to relocate for work, family, or other reasons |
| Paternity & Custody | Establishing parental rights for unmarried parents | Unmarried fathers seeking custody or visitation rights |
Child Custody FAQs
Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about your child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care. Both can be sole (one parent) or joint (shared).
Courts focus on the child’s best interests, considering factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s health and safety, any history of abuse or domestic violence, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment.
Yes, custody orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. You must file a request for order with the court and show why the change is necessary.
Document every violation and contact an attorney. You may need to file a motion for contempt or seek a modification. In urgent cases involving safety, emergency orders may be available.
Talk to a Local Child Custody Attorney Today
Your relationship with your child is too important to leave to chance. At Bay Area Law Group, we help parents across San Francisco and surrounding counties build strong custody cases, negotiate workable parenting plans, and, when necessary, advocate in court to protect their role in their child’s life.
Call today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re ready to listen, guide you through your options, and take the next step with you.
We represent clients in San Francisco, Oakland, Daly City, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose, Palo Alto, Hillsborough, Atherton, Belmont, Piedmont, and across the Bay Area.
Child Custody Services Throughout the Bay Area
Bay Area Law Group provides child custody representation to clients in the following communities:
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
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