Edgar & Dow Riverside

👨‍👩‍👧 Can a child choose which parent to live with?

California courts may consider a child's wishes when the child is of sufficient age and capacity—but that doesn't mean the child gets to make the final decision.

The court still evaluates the child's best interests, safety, stability, and overall circumstances. ⚖️

📍 Riverside
🌐 https://www.edgarfamilylaw.com/

“I want full custody of my child.”

That is one of the most common things we hear during child custody consultations.

But California does not really have a custody order called “full custody.” The first question is: What are you actually asking the court to order?

Sole legal custody? Sole physical custody? More parenting time? Supervised visitation? Or authority to make a particular decision involving school, medical care or counseling?

As a practical matter, joint legal custody is common in ordinary California custody cases. Simply not getting along with the other parent generally does not answer why one parent should have sole legal custody.

The court is focused on the child’s best interest and the specific orders the child actually needs.

Our latest article explains sole legal custody, sole physical custody, joint legal custody, 50/50 parenting time, visitation, domestic violence, safety concerns and CCRC.

Read the full article:

https://www.edgarfamilylaw.com/blog/i-want-full-custody-of-my-child-what-does-full-custody-mean-in-california/

How does a domestic violence finding affect child custody in California?

A finding of domestic violence can fundamentally change a custody case.

Under Family Code section 3044, a qualifying domestic violence finding can create a rebuttable presumption against awarding the person found to have committed domestic violence sole or joint legal or physical custody.

But there are important distinctions.

An allegation is not the same as a finding. Domestic violence does not necessarily require physical injury. A criminal conviction is not required. And section 3044 does not automatically eliminate all visitation.

After nearly three decades practicing family law, I have seen how important it is to address these issues correctly from the beginning of a custody case.

Our latest article explains Family Code section 3044, the five-year presumption, custody versus visitation, supervised visitation, CCRC, rebutting the presumption, and what happens when domestic violence allegations are disputed.

Read the full article:
https://www.edgarfamilylaw.com/blog/domestic-violence-child-custody-california/

⚖️ A court hearing doesn't necessarily mean your entire family-law case gets decided that day.

In Riverside family court, a hearing generally focuses on the specific issues identified in the paperwork filed with the court.

That means knowing what was actually requested matters.

📍 Riverside
https://www.edgarfamilylaw.com/

California move-away custody cases can be some of the most difficult matters in family court.

After nearly three decades handling custody cases, one of the first questions I ask is: What is the existing parenting timeshare?

That can determine the legal standard and who has the burden of proof.

If the parents genuinely share physical custody, Burgess footnote 12 may require the court to make a new determination of what custody arrangement is in the child’s best interest after the move.

If one parent is the established primary custodial parent, the analysis is different. The parent opposing the move generally has the initial burden of demonstrating detriment to the child.

Our latest article explains Burgess, LaMusga, Brown & Yana, the burden of proof, CCRC, custody evaluations and long-distance parenting plans.

Read the full article:
https://www.edgarfamilylaw.com/blog/california-move-away-custody-cases-relocation-burden-of-proof-burgess-and-lamusga/

⚖️ Walking into family court for the first time? Not knowing what to expect is often the scariest part.

Our blog breaks down exactly what happens at a Riverside Family Law Court hearing — what the judge looks at, how the process actually flows, and how to walk in prepared instead of anxious. 📋

Knowledge doesn't remove the stress entirely, but it helps.

👉 Read the full guide + schedule your consultation: www.edgarfamilylaw.com

🧠 In contested custody cases, a court-appointed evaluator's report can carry serious weight in the judge's final decision.

Our Riverside team helps clients prepare for custody evaluations — understanding what evaluators assess, how to present accurately, and what the process actually involves. 📋 Walking in unprepared isn't a risk worth taking.

👉 Free consultation: edgarfamilylaw.com | (888) 251-9618

🩺 Doctors, dentists, surgeons — your career adds a layer most divorces don't have to deal with.

Licensing considerations, practice valuations, non-compete complexities, and irregular income structures all require an attorney who understands the specifics of a medical career, not just general divorce law. 📊 Our Riverside team handles exactly this kind of complexity.

👉 Confidential consultation: edgarfamilylaw.com | (888) 251-9618

🚨 Some custody situations can't wait for a regular court date.

When a child's immediate safety is at risk, California allows parents to request emergency custody orders — a faster legal process built for genuine urgency.

Our Riverside team helps parents understand when this option actually applies, and moves quickly when it does. ⏱️

This isn't a step to take lightly — but it exists for a reason.

👉 Free consultation: edgarfamilylaw.com | (888) 251-9618

👵 Only 47% of grandparents live within 10 miles of their grandkids. Distance is hard enough — losing access entirely shouldn't happen without a fight. 💔

California law lets grandparents petition for visitation or even custody when it's genuinely in the child's best interest. Our Riverside team has handled these cases since 2004, building the evidence and strategy these claims require. 📋

That bond is worth protecting properly.

👉 Free consultation: edgarfamilylaw.com | (888) 251-9618