Within the context of a separation, divorce, child abuse allegations and domestic violence, child custody can become quite complex. Even though the rights of the parent and child take priority, the state obviously has an interest in the welfare and future of minors. Under California law, this can increase the number of people who are involved in the child’s custody. Besides the institutions that may have legal precedence to intervene on behalf of the child, the court may appoint a guardian to represent him/her as well. The court’s decision to provide protective measures as per the welfare of the child may come about if there are allegations of child abuse against one parent. Under Section 3030, a parent who has been accused of neglect or abuse may be denied visitation rights as well as custody by the court. Additionally, if one parent abandons the child or does not want custody, the other parent can get sole custody. This is how I ensure a parent who has the child’s best interests at heart can win custody:

• By doing a thorough background check on each parent regarding their care for the child
• Discussing the child’s requirements after the divorce or separation and how the parent can fulfill them
• Nature and frequency of contact of the child between both parents
• Determining if the parents can be trusted with joint, physical, legal, or split custody