Child Custody Attorney
San Bernardino County | CFLS

Protecting Your Children's Best Interests

Child custody decisions shape your family's future for years to come. Whether you're going through a divorce, separation, or need to modify an existing custody order, the stakes couldn't be higher. Every parent wants what's best for their children—but when parents disagree, the process can become emotionally charged and legally complex.

At Lewis Legal Group, we help parents in San Bernardino County navigate custody matters with clarity and purpose. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Heather Lewis understands the nuances of California custody law and the local practices of San Bernardino County courts.

Understanding California Child Custody

California law focuses on one central question in every custody case: What arrangement serves the child's best interests? This standard guides every custody decision, from initial orders to modifications years later.

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody

California recognizes two distinct types of custody:

• Legal custody — The right to make important decisions about your child's life, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities
• Physical custody — Where your child lives on a day-to-day basis and who provides routine care

Each type of custody can be awarded jointly (shared between parents) or solely to one parent, creating four possible combinations.

Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody

California courts generally prefer arrangements that allow children to maintain strong relationships with both parents. Joint legal custody is common, ensuring both parents participate in major decisions. Joint physical custody can range from equal 50/50 time-sharing to arrangements where one parent has the child most of the time with substantial visitation for the other.

Sole custody may be appropriate when one parent poses a risk to the child's safety, has substance abuse issues, or is otherwise unable to provide appropriate care. Even in sole custody situations, the non-custodial parent typically has visitation rights unless supervised or no contact is ordered.

Factors Courts Consider

When determining custody, California judges evaluate the child's best interests by considering:

• The child's health, safety, and welfare
• Each parent's ability to provide a stable, nurturing environment
• The child's emotional bond with each parent
• History of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• Each parent's willingness to foster the child's relationship with the other parent
• The child's ties to their home, school, and community
• The child's preferences (if old enough to express a reasoned opinion)
• Each parent's mental and physical health

Importantly, California law explicitly prohibits considering a parent's gender. Mothers and fathers are treated equally.

Custody Mediation in San Bernardino County

Before any contested custody hearing in San Bernardino County, parents must participate in custody mediation through Family Court Services. This mandatory process aims to help parents reach agreement without court intervention.

San Bernardino County uses a recommending mediation model—if parents cannot agree, the mediator will make a recommendation to the judge. This recommendation carries significant weight, making preparation for mediation crucial.

A Certified Family Law Specialist can help you:

• Prepare effectively for mediation
• Understand what to expect from the process
• Develop a proposed parenting plan that demonstrates your commitment to your child's best interests
• Respond strategically if the mediator's recommendation is unfavorable

Move-Away Cases

When a custodial parent wants to relocate with the child—whether across town or across the country—it can significantly impact the other parent's relationship with the child. California law gives a parent with primary custody a presumptive right to move, but the other parent can challenge the relocation.

In contested move-away cases, courts consider:

• The child's interest in stability and maintaining relationships with both parents
• The reasons for the proposed move
• How the move would affect the non-moving parent's relationship with the child
• Whether a modified visitation schedule can adequately preserve the parent-child relationship

Whether you're a parent seeking to relocate or opposing a move, a CFLS can help you navigate these complex cases.

Modifying Custody Orders

Custody orders are not permanent. When circumstances change significantly, either parent can request a modification. Common grounds include:

• A parent's relocation
• Changes in work schedule or living situation
• Concerns about the child's safety or well-being
• The child's changing needs as they grow older
• One parent's failure to follow the existing order

To modify custody, you must show both a significant change in circumstances and that the modification serves the child's best interests.

California Legal Resources

• California Courts Self-Help: Child Custody
• California Family Code
• San Bernardino Superior Court - Family Law

Child Custody Attorney Serving San Bernardino County

We provide child custody representation throughout San Bernardino County, including:

• Victorville Child Custody Attorney — Our office is in Victorville
• Apple Valley Family Law Attorney
• San Bernardino Family Law Attorney