California Child Custody and Visitation issues - General Information

[paula belushi]

Child custody issues in California family law can result by way of the
initiation of dissolution of marriage proceedings (divorce), legal
separation, annulment, or paternity proceedings. Child custody issues
can arise even if the parties are not legally separated, but living
apart.
There are several classifications of child custody in the state of
California such as; Sole legal and physical custody, primary physical
and legal custody, joint physical and legal custody, and no right to
custody.
With respect to marriages, the father or the mother are equally
entitled to custody of the minor children of the marriage, before a
court ordered is entered. If you are contemplating a divorce, filing
for divorce, legal separation, or living apart, it is very important
to obtain court orders which articulate your rights to child custody
as soon as possible. Without court orders, a child who is let's say is
living with the mother (or father) could be legally taken by the other
parent absent court orders. If you have minor children of the
marriage, it is important to file an order to show cause for child
custody along with any petition for dissolution of marriage, or legal
separation paperwork, so that you can get a court order articulates
your rights to child custody....

More About Custody: http://groups.google.com/group/custodyinfo