Sonoma Child Custody Lawyer

Sonoma Child Custody Attorney

Sonoma is a great place to raise children. Spending an afternoon at the Sonoma TrainTown, exploring Safari West, or taking a family-friendly excursion through Larson Family Winery. When life changes, you want to minimize the impact on your children. A Sonoma child custody lawyer can help you navigate your child custody case to minimize the disruptions to your daily life.

A Family Law Firm You Can Trust

With decades of experience helping families in Sonoma, the Carroll Law Office believes in building strong relationships with our clients, enabling us to serve their needs and those of their children.

Our very own Attorney Danielle Petersen has been named as a Northern California Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2024 and 2025. When you’re looking for a Sonoma child custody attorney, our team can guide you through the child custody process as we have done for clients hundreds of times before.

Housing Arrangements in California

According to data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, there were a total of 13,475,623 households in California in 2024. Of those households:

• 9% include children under the age of 18
• 1% were married, living with their own children
• 5% were unmarried, living with their own children
• 7% included a father only, living with his own children
• 8% included a mother only, living with her own children

According to the same study, in Sonoma County, there are a total of 187,722 households. Of those households:

• 3% include children under the age of 18
• 9% were married, living with their own children
• 3% were unmarried, living with their own children
• 6% father only, living with his own children
• 0% mother only, living with her own children

Benefits of Having a Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody can result in contentious battles in court. You may want to stop a neglectful partner from gaining custody, or you may be worried that your ex can’t provide a stable environment due to substance abuse. Regardless, attempting to gain custody of a child can be challenging. Having an experienced Sonoma child custody lawyer to facilitate the process is beneficial for several reasons:

• Knowledge of California child custody laws
• Knowledge of the local court system
• Understands the numerous types of custody arrangements
• Can request modifications to custody orders
• Can review the child evaluator’s report and what it means for your case
• Connections with local resources to help during the child custody case
• Guidance and support during a difficult time

Common Child Custody Mistakes

Child custody cases are challenging because they involve so many intense emotions. Making decisions from a place of fear or anxiety can lead you to lose sight of what is appropriate for your children. Common mistakes in child custody cases include:

• Losing sight of the best interests of the child
• Speaking poorly about your ex
• Refusing any compromises
• Failing to document everything
• Failing to provide a consistent routine or living situation
• Passing messages through the child
• Failing to follow court orders
• Being unprepared for court

When you hire a child custody lawyer and follow their guidance, you can ensure you avoid making mistakes that could harm your case.

What the Judge Considers in Custody Cases

Overall, judges want to do what is in the best interests of the child. To do that, they consider the child’s age, health, and ties to their parents, school, and community. The parents’ mental and physical health, as well as any history of abuse or neglect, are also considered. If the child is old enough, the judge may also take into account their wishes.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in California?

The total cost to hire a child custody lawyer in California depends on several factors, including the complexity and duration of the case. Some attorneys require a retainer fee to be paid before any work starts. Others may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for their services. You can discuss the specifics with the attorney and agree on a fee structure before going forward with your case.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Child Custody Battle?

The biggest mistake in a child custody battle is subjective, but most parents would probably agree that losing sight of the best interests of the child would be the biggest mistake. Understandably, child custody cases can become emotional. It is easy to lose sight of the overall goal of the custody case, which is the stability, safety, and emotional well-being of your child. Think about the child’s needs first and mirror that in your actions.

Is California a 50/50 Custody State?

No, California is not considered a 50/50 custody state. Under California Family Code section 3040, custody preferences fall first to joint custody, then to sole custody based on which parent is more likely to allow the noncustodial parent access to the child. California does not have a legal preference for or against joint custody. Instead, it is the judge’s discretion to determine which situation would be in the best interest of the child.

What Is the Difference Between Physical Custody and Legal Custody?

The difference between physical and legal custody is that physical custody determines which parent the child legally lives with, while legal custody determines which parent has the legal authority to make decisions for the child. Both physical and legal custody can be joint or sole. If both parents share joint physical and legal custody, the arrangement is called shared parenting.

How Old Does a Child Have to Be to Choose Which Parent to Live With?

In California, there is no set age at which a child can choose which parent to live with. Under California Family Code Section 3042, a child only has to be of sufficient age and have the capacity to reason an intelligent preference for visitation or custody. At age 14, the child has the right to address the court. Although the child can express their preference, the judge is still required to determine what is in their best interests.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer You Can Trust

When it comes to the custody of your children, you want an experienced Sonoma child custody attorney you can trust. At the Carroll Law Office, we have decades of experience working with parents through the challenges of a custody battle. Keep your child’s best interests in mind and contact us now for a confidential consultation.