San Francisco Child Custody Attorneys

Uphold Your Rights to Parenthood

As a parent going through a divorce, few things will feel as important as the outcome of the child custody arrangement. At Gill Law Group, PC, we understand as much, so we make it our mission to secure a child custody agreement that works for our clients and protects their children’s best interests. When you allow us to take the lead on your case, you can rest a little easier knowing that trusted and experienced legal professionals are working day in and day out on your behalf. No child custody case is too complex once we’re your legal team!

Call (415) 324-6969 to talk to our legal team during a complimentary consultation.

Legal Custody & Physical Custody

Child custody in California takes two main forms:

• Legal: A parent with legal custody has the right to make important life decisions for the child, such as decisions regarding education, medical care, and religion.
• Physical: A parent with physical custody has the right to live with and house their child.

Furthermore, legal and physical custody arrangements are often made in one of two ways: sole or joint. If a parent has sole custody of their child, it usually means they have full legal and physical custody rights while the other parent has none. If a parent has joint custody of their child, it means that physical and/or legal custody rights are shared between the parents. Family law courts prefer to make joint custody arrangements when the situation allows it.

How is Physical Custody Decided?

A family law judge is allowed to use discretion when deciding what a proper physical custody arrangement would be. By following some legal guidelines and asking questions of both parents, the judge will be able to better reach this decision. As with any legal process involving a child, the decision must ultimately reflect the child’s best interests.

Judges usually consider the following when deciding physical custody:

• Mental and physical health of each parent and the child.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a healthy and constructive living environment for the child.
• Each parent’s emotional connection to the child.
• Each parent’s history of domestic violence or child abuse.
• Child’s current standard of living.
• Physical location of each parent’s household and the distance between them.

What Does It Mean If a Parent is “Unfit”?

To be awarded physical or legal custody, a parent must be “fit” for parenthood. The court may find a parent unfit if that parent has a history of consistently exhibiting behaviors that are inappropriate or unsafe for children. If you are concerned that your spouse is unfit for parenthood after divorce, please let our attorneys know. We can discuss how we can present this information to the court, so it can be used in child custody proceedings.

We may be able to prove that your spouse is unfit for parenthood through the use of:

• Testimonies from trusted parties like therapists, pediatricians, educators, etc.
• Police reports if any involve domestic violence
• Child’s medical records or school records
• Other parent’s criminal record

San Francisco Child Custody: Navigating Local Challenges

Living in San Francisco presents unique challenges regarding child custody arrangements. The high cost of living, bustling urban environment, and diverse community can all impact custody decisions. At Gill Law Group, PC, we understand the intricacies of raising a child in this vibrant city and are committed to helping you navigate these complexities.

San Francisco's local government entities, such as the San Francisco Department of Child Support Services and the San Francisco Superior Court, play crucial roles in custody cases. While we do not partner directly with these entities, we are well-versed in their processes and can guide you through the necessary steps to prioritize your child's best interests.

One common pain point for parents in San Francisco is balancing work and family life in a city known for its demanding job market. The city's dense population and traffic congestion can also make coordinating custody exchanges difficult. Our team is familiar with these local issues and can help you develop a custody plan that minimizes stress and maximizes time with your child.

Whether you reside in the bustling neighborhoods of SoMa or the quieter areas of the Sunset District, we are here to support you. Our deep understanding of San Francisco's unique landscape allows us to provide tailored advice and representation that aligns with your needs and circumstances.

Reach out to us today to discuss your concerns about child custody. We are dedicated to helping San Francisco parents achieve custody arrangements that work for their families and protect their children's well-being.

We’re Glad to Help – Call Today

Let’s make sense of your child custody case together. Our San Francisco child custody lawyers are here to help however we can, from explaining legal concepts to representing you during hearings and trials. Tell us your child custody goals and what would be best for your child’s well-being, and we can tell you what to do next.

Talk to us today by dialing (415) 324-6969 or using an online contact form.