California child custody package with petition forms, parenting plan templates, and modification requests. California courts make custody decisions based on the "best interest of the child" standard. Both legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives) must be addressed.
Yes. California has a statutory presumption favoring joint custody (both legal and physical) when both parents agree. If parents disagree, the court decides based on the best interest of the child. Frequent and continuing contact with both parents is the policy under Cal. Fam. Code § 3020.
Yes. Most California counties require mediation before a custody hearing under Cal. Fam. Code § 3170. The court provides a Family Court Services mediator. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a contested hearing.
A parent with primary physical custody has the presumptive right to relocate but must provide notice. The other parent can object, and the court will determine if the move is in the child's best interest (In re Marriage of LaMusga, 32 Cal. 4th 1072 (2004)).
Disclaimer: California custody law requires best-interest analysis. These documents are jurisdiction-correct. Consult a California family law attorney for contested custody matters.
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