Child Custody Lawyers

Experienced Child Custody Attorneys in Riverside

Serving Clients in Riverside

Child custody is one of the most emotionally difficult issues a parent can face.

Whether you are going through a divorce, a separation, or a dispute with the other parent, decisions about where your child lives and who makes decisions about their upbringing can shape their future for years to come. 

You deserve an attorney who takes those stakes seriously.

The child custody lawyers at Fontes Law Group in Riverside have extensive experience helping parents navigate California’s custody laws. We work closely with our clients to explain how courts apply the best interest of the child standard, what factors a judge considers, and how to build the strongest possible case for your children and your family.

Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group

Experience. Compassion. Results.

At Fontes Law Group, we combine decades of legal experience with a client-first approach. Our family law attorneys understand how emotionally and financially overwhelming divorce, custody disputes, and family conflicts can be, and we guide clients through California’s legal process with clarity, compassion, and strong advocacy.

Clients choose Fontes Law Group because we offer:

• Proven success handling divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters
• A bilingual legal team serving clients in English and Spanish
• Office locations in Santa Ana and Riverside
• No fees for your initial consultation
• A trusted reputation among families across Southern California

Types of Child Custody in California

California law recognizes two distinct types of custody: legal custody and physical custody.

Understanding the difference matters because a court can award them in different configurations depending on what it finds is best for your child.

Legal custody

Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about your child’s health, education, and general welfare. Under California Family Code Section 3003, joint legal custody means both parents share the right and responsibility to make those decisions. Sole legal custody, defined under California Family Code Section 3006, means only one parent holds that authority.

Physical custody

Physical custody refers to where the child actually lives. Joint physical custody, under California Family Code Section 3004, means the child spends significant time with each parent. Sole physical custody, under California Family Code Section 3007, means the child resides primarily with one parent while the other typically receives visitation.

Many families end up with joint legal custody and a primary physical custody arrangement where the child lives mainly with one parent. The specifics depend on each family’s circumstances.

How California Courts Decide Custody

California courts do not award custody based on which parent wants it more, how long either parent has been asking, or how well either parent presents in a courtroom. 

Courts are guided by one standard above all others: the best interest of the child.

California Family Code Section 3011 sets out the factors courts must consider when making that determination, including:

• The health, safety, and welfare of the child
• Any history of abuse by either parent or any person seeking custody
• The nature and amount of contact the child has with each parent
• Habitual or continual substance abuse by either parent

California Family Code Section 3020 reinforces this framework by declaring that the state’s overriding concern is the best interest of the child, and that children should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents when it is safe and in the child’s interest to do so.

When determining the order in which custody should be granted, California Family Code Section 3040 gives courts wide discretion. The law does not create a presumption in favor of joint custody or sole custody. Instead, it allows the court and the family to choose a parenting arrangement that fits the child’s actual needs.

How Child Custody Cases Work in Riverside County

Riverside County custody cases are heard at the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, located at 4175 Main Street. It is the primary family law facility for the county and the busiest in the region.

When parents cannot agree on custody or visitation, California Family Code Section 3170 requires the court to schedule a mediation appointment before a judge hears the dispute.

In Riverside County, that process is handled by a Child Custody Recommending Counselor (CCRC) under Family Code Section 3183. This is worth understanding because Riverside’s CCRC process goes further than standard mediation. If no agreement is reached, the counselor does not simply report a deadlock. Instead, they submit a formal written recommendation to the judge covering custody, timeshare, holidays, transportation, and communication arrangements.

That recommendation carries real weight. How you prepare for and present yourself in the CCRC session can influence the outcome of your case before you ever see a courtroom. An attorney familiar with this process can help you go in ready.

Parents may also opt for private mediation through the court’s panel of experienced attorney-mediators as an alternative to the CCRC, though this option is not available when the Department of Child Support Services is involved.

What If There Is a History of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence allegations carry significant weight in California custody cases. 

Under California Family Code Section 3044, if a court finds that one parent has committed domestic violence against the other parent or against the child within the previous five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that giving that parent sole or joint custody would be detrimental to the child.

That presumption can be overcome, but doing so requires strong evidence. If you are in a custody dispute involving domestic violence, on either side of the issue, it is critical to work with an experienced attorney who understands how these cases are handled in Riverside County courts.

Modifying an Existing Custody Order

A custody order is not permanent. 

As children grow and circumstances change, either parent may seek a modification. To obtain a modification in California, the requesting parent generally must show a significant change in circumstances since the original order was issued, and that the proposed change is in the child’s best interest.

Common reasons parents seek modifications include a parent relocating, a change in work schedules, new concerns about a child’s safety, or a child’s own expressed preferences as they get older. 

Under California Family Code Section 3042, the court may consider the child’s wishes depending on the child’s age and maturity, though no specific age automatically gives a child the right to choose.

Modification proceedings can become contested quickly. Having legal representation helps ensure your position is presented clearly and that any changes to the order truly reflect what is best for your child.

When Your Case Requires Litigation

Many custody matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or agreement outside of court. However, some situations require a stronger legal response. When communication with the other parent breaks down, when a child’s safety is at risk, or when one parent is not following an existing order, Fontes Law Group is fully prepared to advocate for you in court.

Our child custody attorneys do not shy away from litigation when it becomes necessary. We gather and organize evidence, present your case clearly and confidently, challenge unsupported claims, and work toward a result that is legally sound, enforceable, and aligned with your long-term interests as a parent.

Helpful Resources

FAQs About Child Custody Cases