No area of divorce is more heart-wrenching than child custody disputes. Too often couples approach the child custody disputes with fear, as a “win-lose” situation in which one parent wins custody and the other parent loses his or her close relationship with his or her child. However, that is not how the courts view child custody, however.

California family court judges focus on the best interests of the child, and California law encourages close and supportive relationships with both parents. Thus, the art of crafting a solid, workable child custody agreement is to help parents understand their options and to document enough of the day-to-day specifics of living arrangements to minimize conflict and promote good parenting.


At The Bacinett Law Offices, the goal is to help achieve a child custody agreement that works for you and your child- one that protects your relationship and allows your child to thrive. Whether you are seeking a child custody agreement as part of a divorce, paternity determination, or child support modification, we can help.

Types of Child Custody and Visitation in California

There are two types of custody: physical and legal. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Legal custody determines who makes legal decisions on behalf of the child. In each of these areas parents can have joint or sole custody. Your options include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Joint physical custody (50-50 custody) and joint legal custody
  • Sole physical custody with the other parent (the noncustodial parent) having visitation rights for less than 50 percent of the time — and joint legal custody
  • Sole physical custody (with or without visitation) and sole legal custody


With our extensive experience handling child custody and visitation matters, The Bacinett Law Offices will evaluate your circumstances and advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of custody arrangements. Ultimately, you will decide which form of custody you wish to pursue. We will help you build your case for custody and visitation, which may include negotiation, mediation, or proceeding in family court. We can also assist with obtaining orders for child support.