Get a Free Consultation
When your family is changing, your first thought is usually your kids. It's completely natural to feel worried about how much time you'll have with them and what their days will look like. Our Petaluma child custody lawyers understand how much is on your heart, and we're here to help you make calm, informed decisions that protect your bond with your children.
A custody arrangement is needed when parents separate, divorce or have a child together without being married. Whatever your family looks like, California recognizes two parts of custody. Legal custody covers who makes major decisions about your child's education, health care and religion. Physical custody covers where your child lives and how time is shared between homes.
We believe that when you understand your options, you can approach this process with more confidence and less stress. Our Petaluma custody attorneys will help you keep your children's best interests at the center, so they can feel loved and secure in both homes.
Schedule a Free ConsultationParents can agree on a custody arrangement together, or a judge can decide it. Either way, every arrangement is built from two parts.
Legal custody is the right to make decisions about your child's health, education and welfare, like which school they attend or whether they get braces. With joint legal custody, both parents share these choices and can get information from schools and doctors. Being clear about who decides what helps prevent disagreements later and gives your child consistency.
Physical custody is the regular time your children spend with each parent. Your kids might stay with one parent on school days and the other on weekends and some holidays, or split time more evenly. Families who live close together and communicate well sometimes build in flexibility, but a clear written schedule protects everyone if plans change.
Seeing the numbers can bring peace of mind. Use our California child support and parenting time calculators to explore different schedules before your consultation.
Petaluma child custody cases are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma, at the Civil and Family Law Courthouse, 3055 Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa. You can ask for custody as part of a divorce or legal separation, in a parentage case, or in a separate custody and support case.
In most cases, California courts can make custody orders only if your child has lived in the state for the past six months. If you and the other parent disagree, California requires you to meet with a court child custody mediator before a judge decides. In Sonoma County, these sessions are held by Family Court Services at the same courthouse, and they give you a guided space to work things out together.
The links below lead to free California court forms and guides. They can be helpful if you're handling your case yourself, but every family is different, and these forms may not fit your situation. We recommend talking with one of our Petaluma custody lawyers before you complete them.
The right arrangement depends on your child's age, each parent's work schedule, the distance between homes and much more. It can look simple at first, but many small details shape a plan that truly works. Our Petaluma child custody attorneys help you think through each one with care.
When you and the other parent agree on a custody arrangement, the court will usually approve it, and your family gets to shape its own future. If you can't agree, the judge decides based on your child's best interests, including your child's health, safety and welfare, any history of abuse and the value of frequent contact with both parents.
Having a custody lawyer by your side helps you share the parts of your story that matter most. A judge needs to understand why a proposed plan is right for your child, and an attorney who knows California custody law and Sonoma County's family court can walk you through each step.
Every family's situation is unique, and your questions deserve thoughtful answers. Our Petaluma custody attorneys will listen to your concerns, explain how California courts see your situation and help you take your next step with confidence.
Our team brings deep California family law experience to every custody case. We go to great lengths to help you understand the process, because clarity leads to calmer decisions. Our Petaluma child custody attorneys know how emotional these cases are, and we'll guide you toward a plan that helps your children thrive in both homes.
We also know custody cases can strain a family budget. Our SimpleStart™ program may let qualified clients begin with a reduced retainer. Reach out to Modern Family Law to talk with one of our child custody lawyers.
Custody has many parts, and no two families are the same. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel at each step.
Frequently asked questions
The biggest factor is how much you and the other parent agree. Cases that settle through mediation or negotiation cost much less than those that go to trial. We explain our fees up front, so you can plan ahead.
No age lets a child decide on their own. A judge considers the wishes of a child who is mature enough to form a thoughtful preference. Children 14 and older can generally share their preference with the court if they want to, unless the judge finds that isn't in their best interest.
A Sonoma County judge decides based on your child's best interests. The judge looks at your child's health, safety and welfare, any history of abuse or substance misuse, and the importance of frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
You and the other parent meet with a trained Family Court Services professional to talk through a parenting plan. The goal is to help you reach an agreement together that puts your child first, without the stress of a contested hearing.
Yes. Families grow and change, and custody orders can too. Parents can agree to updates, or one parent can ask the court for a change. After a final order, the parent asking usually needs to show a significant change in circumstances.
Our Calculators
We’re not fans of surprises and we suspect you aren’t either. We built these divorce calculators just for you, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
Divorce
Custody
Family Law
