Schedule Your Initial Consultation
At Rombro & Manley LLP in Manhattan Beach, California, our child custody attorneys provide skilled, compassionate representation in a broad range of child custody and visitation matters. Our knowledge in this area of law goes beyond the academic. Our lawyers have personal experience being involved in child custody disputes. We understand the tremendous emotional stakes that accompany these legal matters.
Our child custody attorneys are prepared to protect your parental rights in disputes involving out-of-state custody matters, parental alienation, false allegations of abuse, interference, and other complex and contentious matters. We represent clients in establishing initial child custody orders as well as modifications. We have the experience, skill and resources to make a difference.
Legal custody means having the right and responsibility to make decisions for the child regarding medical, educational and religious upbringing. Physical custody determines with whom the child will live.
Custody can be given to one parent alone ( sole custody) or to both parents ( joint custody). In both legal and physical custody decisions, the court begins with a presumption that joint custody is the best option. However, factors such as abuse, neglect or drug and alcohol abuse can rebut this presumption and result in custody being awarded solely to one parent.
The court’s primary interest is what is in the best interests of the minor child, not in fulfilling the wishes of the parents. If the court needs help in determining what is in the child’s best interests, it can appoint experts to assist it in making those determinations.
Even in the case a parent has sole or primary custody, the other parent usually has visitation rights and is able to spend some time with the children. We help parents in divorce proceedings to ensure that they will have adequate custody and visitation periods to participate fully in their child’s upbringing.
Even if a parent decides to relocate at some point, our attorneys are here.
A parenting plan outlines the logistics of how the parents will spend time with their children. Whether custody is joint or sole, there will be some sharing of the child’s time between the parents. Difficulties arising from this arrangement can best be avoided by drafting a detailed plan in advance.
If child safety is a concern, the court may order supervised visitation or, in rare circumstances, no visitation. Supervised visitation can be ordered when necessary to protect the child’s safety and well-being. Supervision can be done by a professional agency or another adult, or be done by a family member or any agreed-upon third party.
Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome in the least stressful manner.
There are typically two courses of action when establishing a custody arrangement: negotiation or court decision. In some cases, child custody agreements can be reached outside of court if both parents are willing to work together. An agreement can be reached through informal settlement negotiations or mediation. If you cannot reach an agreement, the matter will be moved to court, where the judge will make the decisions regarding your custody arrangement.
In either case, it is highly recommended that you hire a child custody lawyer to serve as your advocate.
Usually, if the parents can agree between themselves on a plan for custody and parenting time, the court will approve the parents’ arrangement. If the parents cannot agree, the court must order mediation through Family Court Services. If mediation fails, the judge will decide custody issues in a court hearing. At any stage in this process, it is important to have the advice or representation of an experienced family law attorney to help you obtain the custody and visitation you want for your children.
Our knowledge in this area of law goes beyond the academic. Our lawyers have personal experience being involved in child custody disputes.
There are several advantages to hiring a child custody attorney, including:
Your attorney will advocate on your behalf and in the best interests of your child. He or she will have an in-depth understanding of the laws pertaining to child custody as well as how certain aspects of an arrangement can affect your child’s life. Based on your family’s needs, your attorney can help guide you through the process.
As with all aspects of divorce, child custody hearings are highly emotional. While you focus on weathering this difficult time, an attorney can serve as your advocate, presenting the most pertinent information regarding your custody case to the court in the most persuasive and compelling manner.
It can be incredibly difficult to understand all of the nuances that are involved in child custody law. However, your attorney will. You can identify your major concerns, and your attorney can help you build and execute a legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Your attorney can also anticipate potential issues and help you create a comprehensive agreement to help avoid future disputes.
Our attorneys have helped families for more than 40 years. Our team understands the sensitive and trying nature of divorce and separation, so we offer the support and compassion you need during this time. Our own attorneys have been through divorce and custody arrangements themselves. As such, they can empathize with your situation. With an understanding of both sides of the process, they can provide the legal assistance you need.
Our team is always pursuing continuing education opportunities in order to provide the best possible services for our clients.
Over the last few decades, we have created a team that shares the same values and provides compassionate, effective legal services. We understand that every situation is unique, and that each client will require personalized guidance. This is exactly what we are committed to providing in every instance.
If you are able to come to an agreement with your ex-partner, you can avoid having the court make many of your parenting decisions for you. Keep in mind that if one parent does not follow the agreement, the court cannot enforce it until the agreement becomes a court order. It is best to have the court sign off on your agreement initially, in the even that it needs to be enforced.
If you cannot agree on the terms of custody and visitation, the judge will require mediation. Should you still be unable to agree, the court will decide your custody and visitation schedule for you.
If you are the custodial parent, it is possible to move away with the children. However, the court will need to re-examine the custody arrangement to make sure it is still in the best interests of the child. The court will also take into account the circumstances surrounding the move. If you do not notify the court and instead interfere with an established custody agreement, you may face criminal charges.
In most cases, it is in the best interests of the child to spend time with both parents. Parents can work together to create a visitation schedule to ensure the both parents have access to their children. If the parents are unable to come to an agreement, the court will intervene and set a visitation schedule.
There are circumstances under which a grandparent or other family member may obtain custody of a child. The individual seeking custody has to make a legal request and provide evidence as to why the judge should grant custody to someone other than the parent.
In order for a court to exercise jurisdiction over a child custody issue, the court must be within the “home state” for at least six months before filing. If you move out of state before filing for divorce, you may have to wait to file if you want to file in your location.
If you are concerned about the welfare of your child, you should contact law enforcement and your attorney immediately. If you suspect your ex-partner may attempt to move your child to another location, it is important that you keep very detailed records of any identifying information. Take note of all of your ex-partner’s relatives, and their phone numbers and addresses. Also, make sure to have current photos of your child handy. You should talk to your child about what to do in the event of an abduction and have a code word that is kept between the two of you.
If you face a child custody dispute in California, we are here to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your children.
To set an appointment, contact us online or by telephone at 310-545-1900. Our team would be happy to address any questions you may have about the process.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Although we provide the breadth of family law services offered by a large law firm, we are committed to handling each case with the care and personal attention offered by a small firm.
To schedule your initial consultation with an experienced California attorney, contact us online or by phone at 310-545-1900.
Fields marked with an * are required
"*" indicates required fields
3405 North Sepulveda Boulevard,
Suite 200
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Get Directions
Call Now
(310) 545-1900
© 2026 Rombro & Manley LLP• All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy.
Digital Marketing By: 
