THURMAN'S CUSTODY TIPS:
Family Code section 3020 is another of the top California custody family law code sections. It states the fundamental public policy of not just our state, but of many, to place "frequent and continuing contact" between parents and their children at the apex of family life - including government sponsored interventions through our family court system. If you are an "out" parent, this statute is your mantra!
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CALIFORNIA FAMILY CODE
RIGHT TO CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILD
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY
Family Code Section 3020
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that it is the public policy of this state to assure that the health, safety, and welfare of children shall be the court's primary concern in determining the best interest of children when making any orders regarding the physical or legal custody or visitation of children. The Legislature further finds and declares that the perpetration of child abuse or domestic violence in a household where a child resides is detrimental to the child.
((b) The Legislature finds and declares that it is the public policy of this state to assure that children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage, or ended their relationship, and to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing in order to effect this policy, except where the contact would not be in the best interest of the child, as provided in Section 3011.
(c) Where the policies set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section are in conflict, any court's order regarding physical or legal custody or visitation shall be made in a manner that ensures the health, safety, and welfare of the child and the safety of all family members.