California Child Custody Attorneys

Di Maria & Cone

We never lose sight of how our legal advice affects real families.

A battle over child custody rights and visitation (“parenting time”) is often the most difficult and emotionally trying part of a divorce or other legal proceeding. In addition to divorce proceedings, child custody and visitation issues may arise in parentage or guardianship proceedings. Unfortunately, children often pay the price in a “custody battle” over how much time should be spent with each parent and how legal decisions related to the child should be made. We make every effort to assure that our clients have as much time with their children as possible.

At the law firm of Di Maria & Cone in Palo Alto, California, we are a husband-and-wife team of family law lawyers who never lose sight of the impact these issues have on both parents and children. Whether our clients are divorced, going through divorce proceedings, or unmarried, child custody and visitation rights are as important as they can be contentious.

If you need help during the child custody process or are dealing with child custody violations, contact a California attorney at Di Maria & Cone regarding child custody for a free phone consultation.

Physical and Legal Custody: Physical custody pertains to which parent has the right to be with the child at any given time. Legal custody relates to decisions involving thehealth, education and welfare. Either kind of custody may be shared jointly by the parents or awarded solely to one parent. We ensure that you have a fair voice and the opportunity to maintain a strong relationship with your children.

Child Visitation ("Parenting Time”): California has a policy of promoting frequent and continuing contact between a child and both parents after the parents have separated, except where the contact would not be in the child’s best interests. “Visitation” is the common term used to describe the time that the parent who does not have primary physical custody has with the child and the percentage of time each parent has with the child is the parent’s “timeshare.” The percentage of time each parent has with a child is used in determining child support. We work to ensure our clients have the time they need with their children.

Custody Agreements and Determinations: If parents do not agree on who should be the primary custodial parent, we try to negotiate a favorable resolution outside of court, such as in custody mediation. If that is not possible, we bring the issue before the court. Although there are several steps before a trial will be held in a custody dispute, the ultimate decision will be based on the court’s determination of the child’s best interests at the trial. It is therefore important to develop evidence concerning the nature of the child’s relationship to our client in a way that is meaningful in court. We may arrange for custody evaluations and for psychologists or other professionals to meet with our clients, in order to more fully develop the case.

Enforcement and Modification of Custody Orders: When one parent refuses to comply with custody orders or parenting schedules or disparages the other parent to the child, we will assist you in enforcing or defending against enforcement of the order. Custody and visitation orders can be modified where in appropriate circumstances. In this case, we will represent you in seeking or defending against modification of a custody or visitation order.

We also handle family law matters relating to property division, spousal or child support, and domestic violence.

Contact a California child custody attorney at Di Maria & Cone for a free phone consultation. We accept Visa and MasterCard. We look forward to the opportunity to meet you!

The Palo Alto, California, family law lawyers of Di Maria & Cone represent clients throughout the state, primarily in the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Area communities such as Atherton, Cupertino, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Woodside.

Santa Clara County • San Mateo County

Di Maria & Cone

425 Sherman Avenue, Suite 320
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Phone: (650) 321-4460
Fax: (650) 321-0632
E-mail