How Do I Get Custody in a California Divorce?

This is a very simple question, with a very complicated answer. The short answer to "How Do I Get Custody in a California Divorce?" is simple: ask for it. The hard part is explaining to the judge why you, rather than the other parent, should have custody. For that, you need detailed facts. The basic guide for the court when deciding custody is to make an order in the child's best interests. That is the focus; not you, not the other parent, the child. So if you have the facts to support why it is best for the child to be with you rather than the other parent, that's what you want to tell the court. Custody issues can be very complicated, and if you can afford a lawyer i strongly suggest you hire one to represent you. Most courthouses have a self-help center that helps you navigate the process (mostly by filling out forms). They cannot give legal advice; for that, you need a lawyer.

This is a very complex question with a lot of various routes to obtaining custody in a divorce case depending on the circumstances. Please reach out to me for a free consultation where we can discuss the specifics of your family and whether being awarded sole custody is achievable.