Protecting Your Children's Best Interests

Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally charged matters in family law. At Barsamyan Family Law APC, we are committed to advocating vigorously for every child's well-being. Whatever custody and visitation arrangement best promotes your child's welfare is the arrangement that we will pursue.

We understand the emotional weight of custody disputes and work tirelessly to protect your parental rights while keeping your children's best interests at the forefront of every decision.

Types of Custody in California

California recognizes both legal custody (the right to make important decisions about your child's health, education, and welfare) and physical custody (where the child lives). Either type can be awarded jointly or solely, and courts strongly favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain actively involved in their children's lives.

The Best Interest Standard

California courts make custody decisions based on the "best interest of the child" standard under Family Code §3011. Factors considered include the health, safety, and welfare of the child; any history of abuse; the nature and amount of contact with both parents; and the child's ties to school, home, and community.

What We Handle

Initial custody and visitation orders
Custody modifications based on changed circumstances
Move-away and relocation cases (LaMusga factors)
High-conflict custody disputes
Custody evaluations and Minor's Counsel appointments
Parenting plan development
Grandparent and third-party visitation rights
Interstate custody disputes (UCCJEA)
Emergency custody orders (ex parte applications)

Move-Away Cases

When a custodial parent wishes to relocate with a child, the court applies the factors set forth in In re Marriage of LaMusga (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1072. These include the child's interest in stability and continuity, the distance of the move, the child's age, the child's relationship with both parents, the relationship between the parents, and the child's wishes if of sufficient age and capacity. Under Family Code section 7501 and In re Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25, a parent with sole physical custody has a presumptive right to relocate with the child and need not prove the move is necessary; the non-custodial parent bears the initial burden of showing that the move would cause detriment to the child. Where the parents share joint physical custody, neither presumption applies and the court determines custody de novo under the best interest standard.

Our Approach

Rose Barsamyan is trained as Minor's Counsel and brings a deep understanding of child development and family dynamics to every custody case. We work collaboratively with custody evaluators, therapists, and other professionals to build the strongest possible case for your family.

Child Custody & Visitation