Your Kids Deserve a Plan That Actually Works for Them
Custody disputes are emotionally intense — and the decisions made now will shape your children's lives for years. I help parents build parenting plans that protect their relationship with their kids, hold up in court, and avoid unnecessary conflict.
A Custody Attorney Who Understands What the Court Actually Looks For
I know how disorienting it feels to have the most important relationship in your life playing out in a legal process. My job is to cut through the noise, help you understand what matters, and build a strategy focused on your children's wellbeing — not just legal maneuvering.
I've handled custody cases ranging from straightforward parenting plan agreements to high-conflict disputes and international abduction matters. I've taught family law at California Western School of Law and serve as a County Hearing Officer — so I understand how judges evaluate custody decisions, not just how to argue in front of them.
Family law attorney since 2012
Adjunct Professor of Family Law — California Western School of Law
County Hearing Officer, County of San Diego
Experience with move-away cases, Hague Convention cases, and high-conflict disputes
Bilingual — English and Spanish
Here's How We Build Your Custody Strategy
1
Book a Consultation
We review your situation, your current custody arrangement (if any), and what you're trying to protect. I'll give you a clear picture of how California courts look at cases like yours.
2
Build a Strategy Around Your Children
Whether we're negotiating a parenting plan, modifying an existing order, or preparing for a contested hearing, I'll help you build a case that's grounded in what's best for your kids — and what's legally supportable.
3
Move Forward With a Plan That Holds Up
I'll guide you through every step — negotiations, filings, evidence gathering, mediation, or court — so you show up prepared and your children's future is protected.
No guessing. No empty promises. Just a clear strategy and someone who shows up prepared.
California courts divide custody into two types: legal custody (who makes decisions about the child's education, health, and welfare) and physical custody (where the child lives). Both can be sole or joint. Joint legal custody — where both parents share decision-making — is common even when physical custody is primarily with one parent. Joint physical custody means the child spends significant time with both parents, though not necessarily equal time. The court's standard in custody decision is the best interest of the child. Factors include the child's age and health, each parent's history of caregiving, the child's relationship with each parent, stability of home environment, and — for older children — the child's own preference. California courts do not automatically favor mothers over fathers. What matters is the actual history of involvement in the lives of your children. If a father has been the primary caregiver, the court takes that seriously. Custody orders can be modified after the fact if there's a significant change in circumstances — such as a parent relocating, a change in work schedule, or concerns about the child's welfare.
Quick Facts
California divides custody into legal (decision-making) and physical (where the child lives)
Best interest of the child is the court's standard — not the parent's gender
Joint legal custody is common even when one parent has primary physical custody
Custody orders can be modified when circumstances significantly change
COMMON SITUATIONS
Parents separating or divorcing with children and no custody order in place
One parent wants to relocate — to another county, state, or country
Existing custody order is no longer working and needs modification
One parent is concerned about the child's safety or wellbeing with the other parent
How I Approach Custody Cases
I focus on what the court actually weighs
The best interest of the child standard isn't abstract — I help you build a factual record that reflects your role, your history, and your commitment to your kids. That's what moves cases.
I push for agreement where possible
Contested custody hearings are expensive, unpredictable, and hard on children. If there's a negotiated path to a parenting plan both parties can live with, I'll find it.
I've handled the complicated ones
Move-away cases, international custody disputes, high-conflict custody with restraining orders — I've been in those rooms and know how to navigate them.
What Clients Say About Their Custody Cases
Child Custody
I met Mr. Aguilar at the courthouse. I saw him defend his client’s position in front of the judge and he won. As he was walking out, I asked him for his business card. I called him as soon as I left the courthouse and he was able to give me a consultation the same day. I hired him right away based on his courtroom performance. I ended up getting my children back full time. Mr. Aguilar was in the right place at the right time when I met him.
Lisset
Child Custody
My ex and children live in California. but I live out of state and could not travel to San Diego for the various court hearings. Mr, Aguilar arranged for me to appear over the telephone every time the court needed me to appear. Mr.Aguilar kept me informed about the status of my case and promptly notified me of any developments. I saved a lot of money by not having to travel to California for the various hearings. I truly believe the outcome of my case would have been the same even if I were present for the court hearings. I learned to trust Mr. Aguilar during the divorce/custody process. Mr. Aguilar really made sure that my rights as a parent were preserved despite the fact that I live out of state.
JC
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody
No. California courts don't favor either parent based on gender. What they look at is the history of caregiving — who has been the primary caregiver, who's been most involved in the child's day-to-day life. If the father has been more present, the court weighs that accordingly. The standard is the best interest of the child.
Legal custody is about decision-making — who has the right to decide where your child goes to school, what medical care they receive, and how they're raised. Physical custody is about where your child lives. You can have joint legal custody while one parent has primary physical custody. Both arrangements are common.
Possibly. Courts don't automatically award equal time — it depends on the facts, the parents' schedules, the child's needs, and the history of the relationship. I'll be honest with you about what's realistic in your specific situation.
A parent can't just relocate with a child without either the other parent's agreement or a court order. Move-away cases are some of the most complex in family law — I've successfully prevented relocations in cases where the move would have significantly impacted the other parent's time with their child.
Yes, if there's been a significant change in circumstances — a parent relocating, a change in the child's needs, a new safety concern, or a major shift in either parent's schedule. The bar for modification varies based on how long the order has been in place.
That's a serious issue and there are legal remedies — including contempt of court. Document everything carefully and contact me. The faster you act, the better your position.
Custody cases are filed in the superior court of the county where the child resides. Contact us to confirm jurisdiction for your situation.
Our Other Practice Areas
LGBTQ+ Family Law
LGBTQ+ families navigate the same legal challenges as anyone else — plus a few that are specific to their situation. I've been advocating for LGBTQ+ clients and their families in San Diego for over a decade, and I bring both legal knowledge and genuine understanding to every case.
Custody disputes are emotionally intense — and the decisions made now will shape your children's lives for years. I help parents build parenting plans that protect their relationship with their kids, hold up in court, and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Child and spousal support can be the most financially consequential part of a divorce or separation. I help clients in San Diego establish, negotiate, and modify support orders that are accurate, fair, and built to last.
Whether you need protection or you're defending against serious allegations, domestic violence and restraining order cases move quickly — and the consequences are lasting. I represent both sides with urgency, precision, and no unnecessary drama.
Ending a marriage is one of the hardest decisions you’ll face. I help clients in San Diego navigate it with honesty, clarity, and a strategy built around their situation — not a generic playbook.
International child abduction cases move faster than almost any other matter in family law. I have direct experience with Hague Convention proceedings, U.S. State Department coordination, and cross-border custody emergencies. If your child has been taken — or if you're facing a return petition — you need to act now.
I'll give you a clear picture of what California courts look for, what your realistic options are, and what a strong parenting plan actually requires. No pressure — just straight answers.
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Serving the following Southern California counties: San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.
