How is custody determined in CA?

How is custody determined in CA?

California courts award custody of children based on the "best interests of the child" standard. Both parents begin with equal rights to custody; a judge is not permitted to give a preference to either parent based upon the parent's sex.

Who gets custody of child in divorce in California?

In California, either parent can have custody of the children, or the parents can share custody. The judge makes the final decision about custody and visitation but usually will approve the arrangement (the parenting plan) that both parents agree on.

At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in California 2019?

14 or olderThe Age Factor in Determining Custody In California, your child will be heard at age 14 or older with regard to who he or she would prefer to live with.

What do judges look at when deciding custody?

Judges must decide custody based on “the best interests of the child." The “best interests of the child” law requires courts to focus on the child's needs and not the parent's needs. The law requires courts to give custody to the parent who can meet the child's needs best . Does either parent abuse drugs or alcohol?