Yvonne Rizzo Esq is an experienced child custody lawyer in San Diego County. With almost two decades of experience in child custody, divorce, and family law, Yvonne Rizzo and her team will help you navigate the intricate process of child custody mediation according to San Diego County regulations. Located in central San Diego, Yvonne’s offices are a source of support and guidance through the process of negotiating, attending hearings, and revisiting child custody rulings. She supports families and individuals through challenging situations while offering them expert legal advice. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our firm to learn more about her services.
The Role of a Child Custody Lawyer
Child custody law pertains to the care, responsibility, and physical domicile of one or more children between two or more parental parties. It is a complex and layered field, and requires an experienced child custody lawyer that’s familiar with San Diego Family Law Code. As the Deputy City Attorney for the Office of the City Attorney in San Diego, Yvonne Rizzo developed a deep knowledge of child custody law. With over 16 years of experience specializing in Family Law, Yvonne Rizzo Esq has helped hundreds of clients navigate the complicated and ever-changing rules of child custody. Explore more resources on child custody law or contact our office for a free consultation.
Our San Diego Child Custody Services
Because family law is a complex field of knowledge, our San Diego practice provides a full scope of services to meet your needs. Our child custody lawyers provide assistance with:
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Divorce & Legal Separation
- Domestic Violence and Disputes
- Divorce and Custody for Military Families
- Division of Property
- Spousal Support & Alimony
We understand that issues of family law can be both legally and emotionally challenging. We work hard to make the process as efficient and straightforward as possible. An initial consultation will help most clients determine the best course of action, while other clients may require support with an on-going child custody case. Our blog has several helpful articles in addition to our detailed Resources Page. Regardless of your current legal standings, our team can provide the technical and practical support you need to navigate your situation.
Divorce and Child Custody Law
Divorce and separation can result in some of the most complex and challenging family law scenarios. A well-informed divorce attorney in San Diego to keep the process as efficient and professional as possible. In San Diego county, child custody issues almost always include mandatory legal mediation. A divorce attorney can help guide the mediation procedure. Child custody law is highly dependent on the unique details of your divorce case. Child custody and visitation is decided by a judge, or through an agreement between the parents. Additional considerations in the case may include military orders, geographical relocation, sickness, and financial considerations. Learn more about Child Custody or schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.
Child Custody Law in San Diego
When working with a child custody lawyer in San Diego, you are required to follow local and state policies. In the State of California, every child custody case begins with a mandatory mediation at Family Court Services, around 6-8 weeks prior to the court hearing. During the mediation, a counselor will hear from both parties and efforts will be made to resolve the dispute. You may receive a recommendation on custody and visitation. The mediator will prepare and file this recommendation before the official court hearing. In San Diego, the court will often require continued contact with both of the child’s parents, however, legal custody may be granted to one or both parents. In addition, the power to make medical, education, and other decisions within the best interest of the child may be granted to one or both parents. More information on the different custody types is listed below:
Physical Custody: Physical custody refers to the space where the child primarily resides. Some cases may include joint physical custody, with the child spending equal or significant amounts of time with each party. In cases where the child primarily lives with one parent, that parent may be referred to as the “custodial” parent.
Legal Custody: Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions for and about the child, including schooling, religion, and medical care. Some parties may share joint legal custody, or it may be awarded to one parent.
Sole Custody and Joint Custody: One party may have joint or sole (physical or legal) custody of a child. In cases of abuse, criminal, or drug or alcohol issues, sole custody may be awarded. In San Diego, courts often preserve joint custody in cases where both parties are fit to provide care for the child.
On-Going Child Custody Proceedings
In some cases, one party may demonstrate that significant changes have been made since their original custody mediation and trial. If so, the court will participate in deciding whether or not changing the original custody decision will benefit the child. In these complex situations, it is crucial to work with an experienced child custody lawyer.
Child Custody in Moving & Relocation Situations
Depending on the distance and timeline of the move, previous child custody rulings may change when one or both parties decide to relocate. The move may be a result of employment, family obligations, or financial need. Unfortunately, these are often highly contested and complex child custody cases and require expert counsel. First, your attorney will review the current custody arrangement and determine whether the moving party has a presumptive right to relocate. If so, the opposite party may decide to show that moving may be a detriment to the child involved. In the case that both parties share joint legal and physical custody, the court will help determine new custody rulings that will benefit the child. In either case, a child custody lawyer will help you prepare your case in a way that best reflects your needs and argument. Keep in mind that these cases are often complicated and may require a substantial amount of planning before the request for order (RFO) can be filed. From there, the court will establish a meditation date and a hearing.
Child Custody for Military Families
Child custody lawyers in San Diego must consider the unique circumstances when it comes to mediation and court hearings. Yvonne Rizzo and her team have worked with several active duty and verteran families and can anticipate their particular needs. Frequent moves, unexpected deployments, and child support regulations may all factor into the situation. Contact our team for more information on our services.
About Yvonne Rizzo
Yvonne Rizzo, Esq. is a child custody and family law attorney in San Diego. She worked as the Deputy City Attorney in the Domestic Violence Unit for San Diego County, and as a civil litigator in Los Angeles. She is currently dedicated to the private practice of family law. Her licenses include:
- State Bar of California
- United States District Court for the Central District of California
- United States District Court for the Southern District of California
- United States District Court for the Northern District of California
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
- State Bar of New York
To learn more about her services, fees, and process, get in touch with her team today.
