Sacramento Child Custody Attorney
Your children deserve smart advocacy, not courtroom drama. I defend what matters most, your children’s future.
Schedule a Consultation- 14+Years of Experience
- 75+Family Cases Resolved
- 80%Client Referral Rate
Child Custody Services in Sacramento
California Custody Laws:
California recognizes two distinct areas of parental responsibility that every family law attorney must master:
Legal Custody determines decision-making authority:
- Sole Legal: One party makes all major decisions regarding education, healthcare, and welfare
- Joint Legal: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities (California's preference)
Physical Custody determines where children live:
- Sole Physical: Children reside primarily with one custodial parent
- Joint Physical: Children split time between homes (not necessarily 50/50)
California courts presume that joint custody serves the best interests of children, unless evidence shows otherwise. California Family Code Section 3080 establishes this preference.
Every custody decision hinges on your child's best interests. California courts evaluate:
- Each parent's ability to provide stability
- The child's health, safety, and welfare needs
- History of domestic violence or substance abuse
- Existing bonds between the child and each parent
- Child's preferences (if age-appropriate)
I build cases with evidence, not emotion –– demonstrating your fitness through facts. Extensive experience means knowing which frequently contested issues matter most to Sacramento County judges.
Sacramento County requires mediation before custody hearings through Family Court Services. This required step offers negotiated resolutions. As your divorce attorney, I prepare you for strategic negotiation while maintaining trial readiness. Free consultations help determine if mediation suits your family law case.
When Violence Threatens
When domestic violence impacts child custody matters, California law provides specific protections. Family Code Section 3044 creates a presumption against awarding custody to individuals who have been convicted of certain offenses.
I coordinate with organizations like WEAVE to ensure comprehensive protection through:
- Emergency restraining orders
- Supervised visitation arrangements
- Documentation of evidence for court proceedings
- Safety-focused custody plans
Your children's safety guides every strategic decision. As a Sacramento family law attorney, I know these are the most frequently contested issues requiring immediate action.
Ready to Fight for Your Child’s Future?
I act decisively when it matters most. Your children need stability, not chaos. While others hesitate, we're already three moves ahead.
Meet Jessica Abdollahi
Like a puma protecting her territory, I observe every angle before striking with precision. In custody battles, strategy protects your children - not emotion.
After 14 years navigating Sacramento County custody battles and resolving hundreds of cases, here's the truth: the parents who "win" aren't the ones who fight hardest - they're the ones who plan smartest. Courts reward stability, not aggression.
That's why I focus on what actually matters:
- Your parenting time - Secured through strategic documentation
- Your decision-making power - Protected by evidence that judges respect
- Your children's stability - Preserved through smart negotiation
- Your financial sanity - Resolved in months, not years
My approach: Turn custody fear into control. No false hope. No wasted moves. Just a strategy that protects your children.
Why Sacramento Parents Choose AF Law
No Nonsense. Honest Advice.
Courtroom Excellence. Winning Record.
Earned Trust. Loyal Clients.
Serving Northern California
Three counties. One commitment: your family's future. Strategic custody representation across:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am-5.00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-1.00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
End the Chaos.
In custody cases, you need sharp instincts and strategic positioning. We don't merely ask that your rights be protected — we make sure they are. Every moment matters. Make your move count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Child custody lawyers in California charge between $250 and $600 per hour. The total cost ranges from $1,500 for simple agreements to over $20,000 for complex disputes. Some attorneys offer flat fee options for uncontested divorce matters. Complex cases require more, but strategic thinking minimizes expenses.
Simple custody agreements, resolved through mediation, can typically be finalized within 2-3 months. Contested cases usually take 6-12 months, though complex disputes may extend beyond a year. Sacramento County's mandatory mediation often expedites resolution compared to immediate litigation.
Statistically, mothers receive custody more often, but California courts decide based on the children's best interests, not the parents’ gender. Fathers average 32.8% of custody time statewide. However, the trend in California and throughout the nation is for courts to give equal parenting time to both parents. Success depends on demonstrating stability and commitment, not chromosomes. I play to win regardless of gender dynamics. Professional reputation and extensive experience matter more than outdated stereotypes.
California fathers have equal custody rights as mothers. Courts cannot discriminate based on gender. Fathers can pursue joint or full custody with equal consideration. The law sees parents, not genders, and your commitment to your children matters, not outdated stereotypes. An attorney-client relationship built on trust helps fathers secure their rightful place.