Escondido Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney in Escondido, CA

Child custody can be a complex and sensitive issue in a separation or paternity case. The process can be frustrating in any setting, but it is especially difficult when handled alone. An Escondido child custody lawyer can help you with your case by gathering evidence, witnesses, and building your argument to get the results you deserve.

About Us

Erica Bloom Law has spent years dedicated to helping the Escondido and North San Diego County community as an Escondido family law attorney. Our founder, Erica Bloom, grew up in the Oceanside/Vista area and returned to Carlsbad to start her firm. Her legal accomplishments earned her a seat on the North County Bar Association Board of Directors and the 2025 Distinguished Woman Award from the California State Senate.

Overview of Child Custody in California

Child custody is a legal concern that many parents across the country are required to deal with. In 2023, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reported that 25.1% of children lived in single-parent households. Child custody tends to favor the mother, with fathers receiving an average of 32.8% of custody time.

California has two types of custody. The first is physical custody. This is the person that the children live with most days. The other type is legal custody, which is the right and responsibility to make decisions for your child’s welfare. Both types can be joint custody, where the role is shared between parents, or sole custody, where only one parent holds both.

When establishing custody, the courts will consider various factors. The common issues addressed include:

• History of violence or neglect: Any history of neglect or violence by a parent can disqualify them from sole custody and limit their ongoing role in the child’s life.
• Special needs of the child: If the child has specific emotional, educational, or medical needs, the judge may evaluate which parent is better suited to address these complications.
• The child’s routine: The separation of parents can be hard on a child. Courts will review the child’s normal routine and how custody arrangements can make a minimal impact on their day-to-day life.
• Nature of the relationship: The court contemplates the existing bond between the child and each parent and whether they are closer to either parent.
• Abuse of drugs and alcohol: Significant use of drugs and alcohol or a history of addiction is considered.
• Child’s preference: California Family Code Section 3042 allows children 14 years of age or older to address the courts and have input on custody decisions.
• Parenting ability: This is determined by a parent’s income, stability, and ability to provide a stable home.

Escondido child custody cases are heard at The North County Regional Center, located at 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

Navigating a child custody case on your own can be challenging. If you are currently in the midst of a custody negotiation or a dispute, hire a child custody lawyer to help. Your Escondido family law attorney can advocate for you at every stage of your case, both in and out of court. The following are some of the services your Erica Bloom Law child custody lawyer can provide:

• Collect supporting evidence: Your lawyer can gather the documents, witnesses, and other information that strengthen your standing. Parental rights cases rely on strong supporting evidence.
• Courtroom appearances: Any court appearance can be stressful, but especially when your custody is at stake. An Escondido child custody attorney can represent you in courtroom hearings and, if litigation is necessary, defend your rights.
• Mediation: Some child custody cases simply require a neutral third party to guide the discussion. A child custody lawyer can play the role of a mediator, ensuring privacy and preventing any disputes from escalating to litigation.
• Child custody modification: Circumstances can change in the weeks, months, or years after an initial agreement. We can assist you with getting the modifications you need to match the current parental situation.

FAQs

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in California?

How much your California child custody lawyer costs depends on the cooperation between parents, complications in the case, and the total work hours it requires. A simple case with established physical custody revolving around visitation tends to be less expensive than one with contesting parties where both physical and legal custody are unclear. Another contributing factor is the payment model, such as retainer expenses, hourly rates, or a flat service fee.

Who Wins Most Child Custody Cases in California?

In California child custody cases, sole custody is rarely won by either parent. The most common outcome is some level of joint custody, with various levels of physical and legal custody given to each parent. Your child custody attorney can advise you on how likely your odds are and what strategies may be effective if you are looking for sole custody.

What Looks Bad in a Child Custody Case in California?

What looks bad in your child custody case relies on a pattern of instability, dangerous behavior, or poor courtroom behavior. Parents with a violent or criminal past, a history of substance abuse, and child neglect will be seen as unfit for custody. If you are concerned about how you may appear in your case, your Escondido child custody attorney can address your worries.

How Long Do Child Custody Cases Take in California?

How long your California child custody will take is based on the various elements of your case, such as the type of custody issue you are addressing and the level of collaboration with your co-parent. Dissolution of marriage in California has a minimum six-month waiting period before finalization is possible, so your case may take at least half a year before your child custody case is finished.

Speak With an Escondido Child Custody Attorney Today

Our team at Erica Bloom Law has the knowledge and experience to make a positive impact on your situation. Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can discuss your child custody case and begin providing potential pathways forward. You may also visit our Carlsbad office, located on Aston Avenue near The Crossings at Carlsbad and McClennan-Palomar Airport.