Sacramento Child Custody Lawyer

Highly Rated Sacramento Child Custody Attorney

Child custody cases can be complicated to navigate, especially if you and your child’s other parent are not on the same page. Whether you’re determining custody arrangements or modifying an existing order, you can count on a Sacramento child custody lawyer from Cianci Law, PC, to help you understand your rights, advocate for your child’s interests, and guide you through the process.

Cianci Law, PC | Creative Family Solutions

The dedicated team at Cianci Law, PC, is led by experienced attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist Melissa D. Cianci. We have assisted countless families in both southern and northern California to navigate child custody cases with confidence. You can count on us to provide the advocacy you need both in and out of the courtroom, working to make sure your child’s interests and well-being are prioritized at all times.

An Overview of Child Custody Cases in Sacramento

There are approximately 365,000 children under the age of 18 living in Sacramento County alone, accounting for 22% of the county’s population. While California has relatively low divorce rates, separation and divorce cases are still commonly seen throughout the state.

California’s child custody laws exist to protect families as they navigate these challenging transitions. When parents’ divorce or separate in California, they must create a custody agreement that details how they’ll share parental responsibilities. These details must include where a child will live, how decisions will be made on their behalf, a potential visitation schedule if one parent has primary custody, and more.

Under California law, legal decisions involving a child must be made according to what is in the child’s best interests. If parents cannot agree on a custody plan in Sacramento, and outlets such as mediation are not working, the ultimate decision will be made by a family court judge. If matters do go to court, your case will likely be heard at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse (WRRFRC), which operates under the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento.

What Types of Custody Are Recognized in California?

Custody refers to a parent’s rights regarding their relationship with their child. The main forms of child custody recognized by the state of California are:

• Legal Custody. Legal custody in California grants a parent the right to make decisions for their child, such as where they’ll go to school, if they are religious, and what kind of healthcare they can receive.
• Physical Custody. Physical custody refers to where a child is physically living the majority of the time and which parent is providing for their basic needs. California courts aim for joint legal custody whenever possible, but every situation is different. A Sacramento family lawyer can help you understand your options.

Your Local Sacramento Child Custody Attorneys

Whether you’re navigating a complicated child custody dispute as part of your divorce case or you need help modifying an existing order because you’re relocating, you can count on a Sacramento family law lawyer from Cianci Law, PC, to represent you throughout your case. Our team at Cianci Law, PC, shares decades of family law experience and has the in-depth knowledge of local laws and courtroom procedures needed to protect your family.

We have helped thousands of Californians through complex family law cases over the years. When you hire a child custody lawyer from Cianci Law, PC, you can trust that you’ll gain an invaluable legal advocate who can stand by your side throughout the proceedings.

FAQs

How Does Custody Affect Child Support Orders in Sacramento?

Child custody and support are distinct family legal matters under California law, but they do impact one another. Child support is often paid by the non-custodial or higher-earning parent, and the amount of time they spend with their child can affect how much they have to pay. If one parent refuses to make child support payments, your lawyer can help you have the order enforced by your local court.

How Do You Choose the Right Child Custody Lawyer in Sacramento, California?

It’s important to do your research before you hire a family law lawyer to make sure they have experience in cases similar to yours. While many family law lawyers in Sacramento, California have experience managing family law matters, they may not have in-depth child custody experience. When looking for the right lawyer, you should look for a child custody lawyer with a strong reputation, history of success, and dedication to their clients, like Cianci Law, PC.

Can a Child Decide Who They Want to Live With in a California Custody Case?

A minor child cannot decide who they want to live with in a California custody case. However, starting at age 14, children can express their preference for where they want to live. While courts will take their opinion into serious consideration, all custody decisions must be made in the best interests of the child. This means even if a child prefers to live with one parent, the court can rule against this if they believe it’s not safe for the child.

Can You Move If You Have Full Custody in Sacramento?

You can move to a new home after getting full custody of your child in Sacramento. As the custodial parent, you have the right to change residences with your child. However, your move generally cannot negatively impact your child, and you must provide ample notice to the other parent. The other parent has a right to object to the move, which can result in having to reopen a family legal case or modify your existing child custody order.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Sacramento: Contact Cianci Law, PC, Today

As a trusted local law firm here in Sacramento, we’re familiar with navigating all types of complex family law matters in and out of the courtroom. Our attorneys have experience in negotiation, mediation, and litigation, and can use their skills to advocate for you. You can count on our team to provide the support you need to secure a fair outcome to your child custody case in Sacramento. Contact us today to set up your consultation with a member of our team.

Sacramento Child Custody Lawyer Reviews