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Last Modified on Nov 11, 2025
If you are a California parent, you may be considering a 50/50 split agreement when going through a divorce or another kind of custody situation. However, it’s important to ask: “What is 50/50 custody in Riverside, CA?” Also, you may want to know what factors a court takes into consideration when making a decision about your agreement.
What Does 50/50 Custody Mean in California?
In California, 50/50 custody usually refers to an equal division of a child’s time between two parents. Typically, a 50/50 custody split refers to joint physical custody, meaning a child physically resides with each parent for purposes such as receiving mail, registering for school, etc.
Equal custody is possible in California, but the arrangement must serve the child’s best interests. Typically, the parents must live nearby, maintain open communication, and co-parent effectively. California courts may consider a 50/50 custody arrangement when it would create a supportive and stable environment for the child.
How Does a 50/50 Joint Physical Custody Situation Work?
When divorcing, a couple creates a detailed parenting plan. The goal is to outline how time will be divided between the two parents to address all aspects of a child’s life. The plan should include information about how time should be spent, including holidays and vacations. It should also include arrangements about daily care, transportation, and other parental responsibilities.
California courts expect parents to demonstrate flexibility and cooperation. Typically, family court judges consider the parents’ ability to communicate and work together in the child’s best interests. Specifically, they consider:
- The best interests of the child as the primary factor in all custody decisions
- The child’s needs, including their age, health, emotional needs, and relationship with each parent
- Parental stability to assess each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable, and consistent home environment
Once the court assesses the circumstances of each parental situation and the child’s needs, it can make a custody determination. Then, a parenting plan can be finalized. Ultimately, parents need to agree on a schedule that works for each of them and addresses all aspects of the child’s life, including their educational needs and extracurricular activities.
The Importance of Legal Support
At a custody determination, there is much at stake, and emotions can run high, which is why it is critical to consider hiring an experienced family lawyer to protect your interests and argue your case. An attorney can develop a strategy tailored to your specific custody goals and prevent costly mistakes.
Hire an Attorney at Edgar & Dow to Represent Your Interests
Many families need reliable help from a dependable attorney in our area. Over one-quarter of all children in the United States under 21 years old have at least one parent living separately from them, which equates to about 21.9 million children. Without a lawyer, it’s challenging to present your case, and our team has extensive experience helping parents in Riverside and the surrounding communities.
We act as your advocate and can help reduce your stress by providing practical and emotional support throughout your custody case. Contact us to hear how we can help and about our legal services.
FAQs
How Is a 50/50 Joint Child Custody Schedule Implemented in Riverside, California?
If you have a court-ordered 50/50 joint custody schedule in California, you may have the option to have a 2-2-5-5 schedule where each parent has your child for two days and then alternates for a five-day period. Or, you may have a weekly rotation schedule that you’ve agreed upon. Reach out to a trusted attorney at Edgar & Dow to discuss your options, even if the other parent is uncooperative or contentious.
How Can My Attorney Prove My Ex is an Unfit Parent in a California Custody Hearing?
Your attorney can help gather compelling evidence to attempt to prove your ex is an unfit parent for your California custody hearing. They can help collect witness statements, documents, police reports, etc., to demonstrate evidence of potential instability. Professional assessments can also be helpful.
When you hire a lawyer, you can collaborate to strengthen your position, and you can build a solid custody case. Contact a knowledgeable lawyer to discuss custody further.
Can a 50/50 Custody Agreement Be Modified in California After It’s Been Finalized?
Yes, a custody agreement in California can be modified after it’s been finalized; however, you must demonstrate to the court that there’s been a significant change in your family’s circumstances that impacts your child’s welfare. You would have to petition the court to modify your finalized agreement and present evidence of the changed circumstances.
It’s helpful to assume you can live with your custody agreement terms because it’s challenging to change them. Reach out for more information.
How Are Visitation Schedules Determined in California?
In California, visitation schedules are based upon the best interests of a child and the actual reality of a child’s home life and their parents’ work schedules. Courts want arrangements that enable children to maintain strong relationships with both parents and support ongoing communication between co-parents.
Parents should negotiate with their child’s best interests in mind, and when any disputes arise, legal guidance can help. Contact an attorney for support with your specific situation.
Hire a Child Custody Lawyer Serving Riverside – Connect With Edgar & Dow Today
When you need to hire a child custody lawyer, reach out to the experienced and compassionate team at Edgar & Dow right away. Since 2004, we have proudly represented families facing a variety of family law situations, and we fight for what you deserve. We are zealous advocates in the Riverside Superior Court of California, but are compassionate with our clients and provide a safe, confidential space to talk.
With convenient locations in Riverside, Anaheim, and Temecula, our attorneys are ready to discuss your unique parenting situation. We understand that the longer a custody dispute drags on, the more damage it can cause. Contact us to set up an initial meeting with a lawyer.
