Child custody matters in California are often the most litigated and emotionally driven areas of family law. From our Folsom office, we represent parents across Sacramento County, Placer County, and El Dorado County, providing the confident, clear guidance needed to navigate these challenges.
Our firm is focused on protecting your parental rights while always prioritizing the “best interests of the child,” which is the guiding standard for all California courts.
Navigating California’s Custody Framework
We provide comprehensive legal support for all aspects of child custody, including:
Legal & Physical Custody: Fighting for a court order that defines who makes decisions for your child (legal custody) and where the child lives (physical custody). This may be joint (shared) or sole (one parent).
Parenting Plans & Visitation: Developing and fighting for a detailed “parenting plan” or visitation schedule that outlines the child’s care, schedule, and holiday time.
Custody Modifications: Assisting you when a significant change in circumstances requires a modification to an existing custody order.
You do not have to face this alone. We are here to listen to your story, explain your options, and advocate for a parenting plan that protects your child’s future
There are different types of custody that parents may establish for their children, each serving a specific purpose.
Decision-making authority for the child (education, health, religion).
Where the child lives and daily care. Can be joint or sole depending on the situation.
Schedule and rules for the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child.
In California, the distinction between physical and legal custody of a child is significant and defined by statute and case law. Physical custody refers to the actual care and supervision of the child, including where the child resides. It involves the day-to-day physical care and control of the child. Legal custody, on the other hand, refers to the right and responsibility to make decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and welfare. This includes major decisions such as medical care, schooling, and religious upbringing.
In California, a child custody order is broken into two parts. Physical custody determines where the child lives. “Sole physical custody” means the child resides with one parent, while the other has visitation. “Joint physical custody” means the child spends significant time with both parents. Legal custody defines who makes decisions for the child’s welfare. “Sole legal custody” gives one parent the exclusive right to make these decisions, while “joint legal custody” means both parents share the responsibility. As your Folsom child custody attorney, we can explain how these terms apply to your unique situation and fight for the arrangement that protects your child.
The Court may grant joint legal custody without granting joint physical custody. In such cases, both parents share decision-making authority, but the child may primarily reside with one parent. Additionally, the term “joint custody” generally refers to both joint legal and joint physical custody unless otherwise specified.
The following outline is a general outline and does not pertain to any case directly. Each case is different and may require different steps. For more information regarding your case specifically please reach out and schedule a consulation with Ms. Scharf.
If the parties cannot reach an agreement through mediation or settlement agreement, the matter proceeds to a court hearing. The court considers evidence, including in some circumstances the mediator’s report, custody evaluation, and any other relevant information, to make a custody determination based on the best interests of the child.
Mediation, also known as Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) is a mandatory step in California child custody cases. The parties meet with a court-appointed mediator to attempt to resolve custody and visitation disputes. If no agreement is reached through mediation, the mediator may provide a report to the court outlining unresolved issues and, in some cases, recommendations.
Once a case is filed, most counties, including Placer and El Dorado, require parents to complete a mandatory orientation program. Sacramento County also provides an orientation video that must be watched. This program (often called “CCRC Orientation”) is typically an online video or class.
The first step in any child custody matter is determining your legal starting point. Our Folsom child custody firm can help you identify the correct path and file the appropriate documents in Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties.
When your children’s future is at stake, you deserve to feel understood, supported, and confident in your advocate. The path through Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County child custody matters can be confusing and emotionally draining, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
Taryn M. Scharf has years of dedicated experience guiding parents through these sensitive situations. We prioritize finding peaceful resolutions that keep you in control and out of the courtroom. But when a tougher stance is needed, we are ready to stand up for you with strength and conviction, ensuring your voice is heard and your children’s best interests are protected.
