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California Family Code
Family Code section 3011
3011
In making a determination of the best interest of the child in a proceeding
described in Section 3021 , the court shall, among any other factors it
finds relevant, consider all of the following:
(a) The health, safety, and welfare of the child.
(b) Any history of abuse by one parent or any other person seeking custody against any of the following:
(1) Any child to whom he or she is related by blood or affinity or with whom he or she has had a caretaking relationship, no matter how temporary.
(2) The other parent.
(3) A parent, current spouse, or cohabitant, of the parent or person seeking custody, or a person with whom the parent or person seeking custody has a dating or engagement relationship.
As a prerequisite to considering allegations of abuse, the court may require substantial independent corroboration, including, but not limited to, written reports by law enforcement agencies, child protective services or other social welfare agencies, courts, medical facilities, or other public agencies or private nonprofit organizations providing services to victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. As used in this subdivision, “abuse against a child” means “child abuse” as defined in Section 11165.6 of the Penal Code and abuse against any of the other persons described in paragraph (2) or (3) means “abuse” as defined in Section 6203 of this code.
(c) The nature and amount of contact with both parents, except as provided in Section 3046 .
(d) The habitual or continual illegal use of controlled substances, the habitual or continual abuse of alcohol, or the habitual or continual abuse of prescribed controlled substances by either parent. Before considering these allegations, the court may first require independent corroboration, including, but not limited to, written reports from law enforcement agencies, courts, probation departments, social welfare agencies, medical facilities, rehabilitation facilities, or other public agencies or nonprofit organizations providing drug and alcohol abuse services. As used in this subdivision, “controlled substances” has the same meaning as defined in the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code .
(e)(1) Where allegations about a parent pursuant to subdivision (b) or (d) have been brought to the attention of the court in the current proceeding, and the court makes an order for sole or joint custody to that parent, the court shall state its reasons in writing or on the record. In these circumstances, the court shall ensure that any order regarding custody or visitation is specific as to time, day, place, and manner of transfer of the child as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 6323.
(2) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply if the parties stipulate in writing or on the record regarding custody or visitation.
This book, written By Paul A. Eads, helps readers know how to prepare before they initiate a legal endeavor and helps make the legal terms of family law issues easier to understand.
Client Testimonials
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"Mr. Eads, you are a true master in your field and I will always be available should any of your prospective clients want to contact me as a reference."Mr. Eads, you are a true master in your field.- Peter K.
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"Mr. Eads worked hard for me and I am confident he will do the same for you."My ex boyfriend was very abusive. His attorney seemed to be very aggressive and was always filing Ex Parte (emergency) hearings for me to appear in court. Due to a cost issue, I attempted to handle matters myself but it seemed that I could not get my point accrues to the judge who seemed to be familiar with my ex boyfriend’s attorney. I found Mr. Eads in the phonebook and I thought I would give him a call. Mr. Eads was able to get the restraining order I was seeking and my ex boyfriend ended up paying Mr. Eads’ attorney fees. I can now feel rest-assured that my daughter and I will be safe. I also happy that I do not have to deal with my ex’s attorney anymore. Mr. Eads worked hard for me and I am confident he will do the same for you.- K.Y.
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"He was very sympathetic to my cause and was very reassuring when I needed his assistance."I was very pleased with the outcome of my case.- Albert N.
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"I was barely able to make ends meet. Mr. Eads worked out a payment plan with me and reduced my arrears."I will be able to pay it off quicker and with more money left over with the payment Mr. Eads was able to negotiate for me.- John H.
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"The outcome was much more than I ever expected to receive."My previous attorney failed to show up for my court date and as a result, the matter was set for trial without any input from my side. I desperately sought out an attorney but most of them wanted a huge retainer up front. I found Mr. Eads and when I went in for a consultation, I found that his retainer was more than reasonable. I also liked the fact that he practices exclusively family law and seems very familiar with the local judicial officers. I felt very comfortable with Mr. Eads in my corner going into my trial and I found that the outcome was much more than I ever expected to receive. Mr. Eads was very thorough in my case evaluation and helped me get everything I was entitled to.- J.L.
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"Mr. Eads when to bat for me and in my opinion, hit a home run."I decided to hire Mr. Eads based on his experience and the fact that his practice is limited to Family Law.- Veronica S.
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"Mr. Eads was able to help structure a settlement that allowed me to keep my business while sharing the business debts with my ex."I am a business owner and when I got divorced, I was terrified that I would lose my business. My business was also heavily leveraged against and I did not have enough capitol to sustain the business and pay my wife spousal support. My ex had an attorney who was very intimidating and kept pressuring me to liquidate the business so that I could pay his attorney’s fees. I was referred to Mr. Eads by a friend. Mr. Eads was able to help structure a settlement that allowed me to keep my business while sharing the business debts with my ex. I was also able to shorten my spousal support obligation. I really appreciate Mr. Eads professionalism and guidance during these difficult times.- J.A.
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"Not only did Mr. Eads get my daughter returned to me, I was able to have full physical custody."I am honored to write this review for Mr. Eads after he helped reunify me with my daughter after my ex abducted her and moved to Arizona. I was devastated when I came home from work to find my ex had left with all our daughter’s belongings. I called the police who told me I needed to hire an attorney. I came across Mr. Eads’ website and I was impressed with his bio. I contacted him immediately and within days, we were in court requesting that my the DA Abduction unit assist me in the return of my daughter. Not only did Mr. Eads get my daughter returned to me, I was able to have full physical custody and my ex has summer and holiday visitation. Mr. Eads is truly my hero. Thanks Mr. Eads!- Paul W.