Long Beach Child Custody Attorney

Child Custody in Long Beach

Child custody cases for Long Beach families are heard at Los Angeles County Superior Court — Long Beach Courthouse, 275 Magnolia Avenue. Courts apply the best interests of the child standard under Family Code §3011, considering each parent's involvement, the child's health and welfare, and the importance of frequent and continuing contact with both parents under Family Code §3020.

Furubotten Law, APC handles legal custody, physical custody, parenting plan disputes, move-away cases, and custody modifications for Long Beach clients. We represent both parents in contested custody proceedings and help parties reach workable parenting agreements when cooperation is possible.

What Child Custody Courts Look For in Long Beach

California family law judges evaluate the best interests of the child based on documented parenting history, each parent's stability and availability, the child's existing relationships, and each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent. A well-prepared custody case — with documented involvement and specific parenting plan proposals — significantly affects the outcome.

Call (714) 795-3862 to discuss your Long Beach custody matter. We offer complimentary initial case evaluations.

Child Custody in Long Beach — How It Works at Long Beach Courthouse

Long Beach child custody cases are heard at the Los Angeles County Superior Court Long Beach Courthouse. California courts apply the best interests of the child standard under Family Code §3011, evaluating each parent's involvement, the child's health and welfare, any history of abuse, and the importance of frequent and continuing contact with both parents under Family Code §3020.

Long Beach's urban environment creates specific custody logistics — school choice across multiple school districts and charter schools, extracurricular activities that span a large geographic area, and public transportation considerations all require specific parenting plan provisions. Our firm drafts Long Beach parenting plans that address the specific realities of raising children in this diverse, dense urban community.

Contested and Uncontested Custody in Long Beach

When Long Beach parents cannot agree on custody, Family Court Services mediation is mandatory before a contested hearing under Family Code §3170. If mediation does not resolve the dispute, both parties present evidence at a custody hearing and the judge decides. Our firm represents Long Beach parents at every stage — mediation preparation, contested hearings, custody evaluations, and modification proceedings. Call (714) 795-3862 for a case evaluation.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Furubotten Law, APC. Family law matters are fact-specific; please consult a qualified California family law attorney for advice tailored to your situation. Furubotten Law, APC practices in California only.

Protecting parental rights and children's best interests throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County family courts.

Child Custody Representation in Long Beach

Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally difficult legal proceedings a parent can face. At Furubotten Law, APC, attorney Denise Furubotten has spent 30 years representing Long Beach and Los Angeles County parents in custody matters — achieving results that protect meaningful parent-child relationships and serve children's genuine best interests.

California Child Custody Law for Long Beach Parents

California courts are required to make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child under Family Code §3011. Key principles Long Beach parents should understand:

Both parents have equal rights to custody under California Family Code §3010 — no preference for mothers or fathers
California courts favor frequent and continuing contact with both parents (Family Code §3020) when it is safe to do so
Parents who cannot agree on custody must participate in Family Court Services mediation before a judge will make a custody order
Existing custody orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Author: Denise Furubotten, Esq.