Los Angeles Child Custody Lawyers

Filing for child custody can be one of the most emotionally challenging and legally complex experiences a parent faces. Disputes over custody, visitation, and parental rights can create uncertainty for both parents and children. Having an experienced child custody attorney on your side ensures that you navigate California’s custody laws effectively while prioritizing your child’s well-being.

At The Sands Law Group, we provide strategic and compassionate legal representation to parents throughout Los Angeles. Our dedicated child custody lawyers understand California’s legal framework and work tirelessly to protect your parental rights while achieving the best possible outcome for your family.

Whether you are facing a contested custody battle, a modification request, or a co-parenting dispute, we guide you through every step of the process with a personalized legal strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Why Choose The Sands Law Group for Your Child Custody Case?

• Experienced Family Law Attorneys – Proven success in California child custody cases
• Client-Focused Approach – Dedicated to protecting your child’s best interests
• Affordable & Transparent Fees – High-quality legal representation within your budget
• Multilingual Legal Team – Services available in Hebrew, French, Arabic, Spanish, and English

Don’t navigate your child custody case alone—get the legal support you deserve. Schedule a confidential consultation with The Sands Law Group, APLC today and take the first step toward securing your parental rights.

Both legal and physical custody are acknowledged in the courts of California. Physical custody refers to the parent or guardian with whom the child lives, whereas the right of a parent to make vital life decisions falls under the umbrella of legal custody.

Legal custody decisions may include:

• Schooling and/or child care
• Living arrangements
• Medical appointments and counseling needs
• Religious affiliations and where they practice
• Sports and extracurriculars 
• Travel and vacation

It is possible that both parents could hold legal and/or physical custody. However, it is just as likely that only one parent holds these rights and responsibilities. A parent who has their child less than half-time technically has only visitation rights. 

Depending on the best interests of the child and other factors, the type and frequency of this visitation can vary. Our team of experienced Los Angeles child custody attorneys can help you determine the most suitable arrangement for your family’s unique needs.

In Los Angeles County, child custody and visitation decisions are made based on what serves the best interests of the child—a guiding principle in all California family law custody matters.

California law distinguishes between two types of custody:

• Legal Custody – The right to make important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and general welfare.
• Physical Custody – Where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.

When determining custody, Los Angeles family courts consider several key factors to ensure that the child’s health, safety, and emotional development are prioritized. These include:

• The child’s age, overall health, and emotional needs
• The nature of the child’s relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, including food, shelter, and medical care
• The child’s ties to their current school, home, and broader community
• Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or criminal behavior by either parent
• The child’s preference, if they are of sufficient age and maturity to express it

Courts may also consider any other relevant circumstances that could impact the child’s well-being. Once custody is determined, visitation arrangements are created to reflect the child’s best interests and support the non-custodial parent’s right to maintain a healthy, consistent relationship with the child.

Importantly, California law encourages frequent and continuing contact between children and both parents—unless there is evidence that such contact would be detrimental to the child’s safety or welfare.

At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our Los Angeles child custody attorneys, led by Thomas Sands, work closely with parents to develop parenting plans that reflect the needs of the child while protecting your parental rights. We handle both negotiated custody agreements and high-conflict litigation, always prioritizing what matters most: your family’s future.

In California, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, with judges evaluating multiple factors to determine an arrangement that supports the child’s health, safety, stability, and emotional well-being. If parents cannot reach an agreement, the court will step in and make custody determinations based on these critical considerations:

The Best Interests of the Child

California family courts prioritize the child’s physical and emotional well-being above all else. Judges assess factors such as the child’s health, safety, and welfare, along with each parent’s ability to provide a nurturing and supportive environment. A custody lawyer familiar with Los Angeles judges can present evidence effectively to align with judicial preferences and expectations.

Each Parent’s Ability to Provide Proper Care

Judges evaluate whether each parent can meet the child’s fundamental needs, including housing, food, medical care, and emotional support. They also consider the parent’s role in facilitating the child’s daily routines—such as ensuring school attendance, attending medical appointments, and maintaining a structured home environment. Courts may also examine whether a parent fosters a positive relationship between the child and the other parent when it is safe to do so.

Stability in the Child’s Life

Consistency and stability are key factors in custody decisions. Judges look at the child’s current living arrangements, school performance, and involvement in community activities. If frequent moves, erratic schedules, or disruptions in education and social relationships are present, the court may favor the parent who can provide a more stable environment. Documentation such as report cards, housing records, and expert testimony may be used to demonstrate stability.

Parental Communication and Cooperation

A judge expects parents to communicate effectively and put their child’s needs before personal conflicts. Courts consider how well parents cooperate, make joint decisions, and handle disputes regarding their child’s upbringing. Evidence such as text messages, emails, or interactions on co-parenting apps can influence a judge’s decision, particularly if one parent is found to be uncooperative or unwilling to facilitate a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Safety and History of Misconduct

The court takes allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect seriously. If there is a history of abuse or unsafe behavior, the judge may limit custody or visitation rights to protect the child. In some cases, the court may require drug testing, supervised visitation, or parenting classes to ensure the child’s safety.

Child custody decisions are among the most critical legal matters parents face. Even if you and your co-parent maintain an amicable relationship, custody agreements can quickly become complex and emotionally charged. While some parents successfully negotiate custody terms without legal assistance, working with an experienced Los Angeles child custody lawyer ensures your parental rights and your child’s best interests are fully protected.

A legally sound custody arrangement should address essential factors such as legal and physical custody, visitation schedules, and parental responsibilities. Even when both parents agree, having an attorney review the agreement before finalization can prevent future disputes and ensure compliance with California family law. If negotiations break down or court intervention becomes necessary, a skilled custody lawyer will advocate for your rights and help navigate the legal system effectively.

At The Sands Law Group, APLC, we provide strategic legal guidance to parents facing child custody matters in Los Angeles and throughout California. Schedule a confidential consultation today to understand your legal options and secure the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Hiring a child custody attorney puts you in the best possible position to undergo this emotionally draining process. Not only can a Los Angeles family law lawyer help move you through the process in an organized manner, but their deep knowledge of the constantly-evolving child custody laws also will help to ensure that you are not being wronged or taken advantage of. Every step you take in the child custody process is critical, and your attorney can advise you concerning every decision.

During this emotional time, it is common to feel resentment toward the other parent/guardian, and the same is certainly true of the other party. Such high emotions can dramatically impact how each person perceives the other’s side of the argument. Your custody attorney is best equipped to state your case, on your behalf, void of the emotional blocks that may be standing in your way. Not only will our legal team of child custody attorneys help you through this daunting process, but they will also do it at an affordable rate. 

In California custody cases, the court may order one parent to pay a portion of the other parent’s attorney fees. Under California Family Code Sections 2030-2032, the law ensures that both parties have access to legal representation, regardless of financial disparities.

How Does the Court Decide Who Pays Attorney Fees?

Judges assess several factors when determining whether one parent should contribute to the other’s legal costs, including:

• Financial Disparity – If one parent has significantly greater income or assets, the court may require them to contribute to the other parent’s attorney fees to ensure a fair legal process.
• Ability to Pay – The court evaluates each parent’s financial situation, including income, expenses, debts, and available resources.
• Complexity of the Case – If a custody dispute involves high-conflict litigation or requires expert witnesses, the court may consider the financial burden on each party.
• Good Faith vs. Bad Faith Litigation – If one parent unnecessarily prolongs the case or engages in bad-faith litigation, the court may order them to pay additional legal costs.

If you believe you need assistance covering legal fees, your attorney can file a Request for Order (RFO) outlining your financial need and the other parent’s ability to pay. The court will then review the request and issue a decision based on the evidence provided.

If you have questions about an existing or impending child custody arrangement, the legal team at The Sands Law Group APLC can help. Our experienced, compassionate Los Angeles child custody attorneys have helped countless families protect the rights and best interests of their children. We will review the details of your unique situation to determine the best legal strategy for moving forward, and remain by your side throughout the entirety of your case. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your case.