California Custody Law Changes in 2025: What San Diego Parents Should Know
Child custody is one of the most difficult and emotional areas of California family law. Whether you’re navigating divorce, separation, or a post-judgment modification, the decisions you make about custody will profoundly impact your child’s life.
In 2025, California custody laws are changing, potentially affecting how time is shared, how parenting plans are enforced, and how courts assess the best interests of children.
These legal updates are part of a broader trend toward family law reform that prioritizes shared parenting and more structured dispute resolution processes. So whether you’re a parent entering family court for the first time or modifying an existing order, understanding these legal changes is essential.
At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we help San Diego families navigate these challenging child custody issues.
Why Did California Update Its Custody Laws in 2025?
Family law reform has been a priority in California for years, particularly in the areas of joint custody and parenting time. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have pushed for changes that reflect evolving social norms, research on child development, and public demand for transparency and fairness in custody rulings.
These reforms are designed to improve real-life outcomes for children and co-parents across the state.
Recent custody law updates aim to:
- Emphasize child-centered decision-making
- Increase the use of shared parenting arrangements where appropriate
- Improve the consistency and enforceability of parenting plans
- Reduce the burden of prolonged litigation on families
- Enhance the quality of mediation and parenting coordination services
Changes in Shared Parenting Laws
One of the most talked-about reforms in 2025 is the shared parenting law change. While California courts have long considered joint custody, the 2025 update places greater emphasis on equal or near-equal parenting time as a starting point—so long as it serves the child’s best interest.
Key changes include:
- Courts now presume that substantial shared time (not necessarily 50/50) is in the child’s best interest unless there’s clear evidence to the contrary.
- Judges must explain in writing why they deviate from equal time arrangements if a parent requests one and it is denied.
- There is greater encouragement for parents to use mediation or structured agreements to divide time proactively.
More Specific Parenting Plans
One of the most significant drivers of family conflict is ambiguity in court orders. The new legal reforms require that all San Diego parenting plans approved after January 1 include the following:
- Detailed schedules (daily routines, exchanges, holidays)
- Defined methods of communication (text, email, co-parenting apps)
- Provisions for resolving disputes (e.g., mediation or parenting coordinators)
- Explicit statements about legal and physical custody responsibilities
Joint Custody and Legal Decision-Making Authority
Beyond physical custody and parenting time, legal custody—the right to make decisions about a child’s health, education, and welfare—remains a key component of joint custody arrangements.
The joint custody legal update in 2025 clarifies how legal decision-making authority is shared, with the intention to reduce ambiguity in high-conflict cases and preserve the child’s stability:
- In true joint legal custody, parents must consult and agree on all major decisions.
- If one parent is given tie-breaking authority (e.g., in healthcare or schooling), that must be stated clearly in the order.
- Courts may now appoint a parenting coordinator or special master to resolve repeated deadlocks between parents without requiring constant court hearings.
An Increased Emphasis on Mediation
The 2025 updates also address family law mediation in San Diego and across the state. Recognizing that many families benefit from dispute resolution services but struggle with access or cost, the legislature has:
- Expanded funding for court-connected mediation programs
- Created new certification standards for private mediators
- Allowed courts to mandate early mediation before contested hearings
- Introduced pilot programs offering free or low-cost parenting coordination
Mediation is now expected to be a core part of the custody resolution process rather than just a formality. Thus, parents who refuse to participate in good faith may face sanctions or limited court time.
At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we work closely with San Diego mediators and ensure our clients are fully prepared to participate effectively or assert their rights when mediation is not appropriate (e.g., in cases involving abuse or coercion).
Strengthening Parental Rights
In addition to custody time and decision-making, the 2025 law strengthens parental rights, especially in terms of:
- Notice requirements for relocations, schooling changes, and medical procedures
- Access to educational and medical records for non-custodial parents
- Contempt enforcement when one parent willfully interferes with the other’s access or violates court orders
Courts are also under new guidance to enforce contempt proceedings more efficiently when custody violations are egregious or repeated. This empowers parents who are consistently blocked from seeing their children to seek remedies quickly.
Knowing When to Modify a Custody Order
Parents who currently have a custody order in place may want to consider whether the latest legal reform provides grounds for modification. You may be eligible if:
- Your current parenting plan lacks clarity or enforceability
- You are being denied fair parenting time despite court orders
- There’s been a significant change in work schedules, school attendance, or relocation
- You and your co-parent want to adopt a more cooperative framework under the new shared parenting standards
At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we can help you review your current order and assess whether a modification is in your child’s best interest.
Why Choose Mattis Law, A.P.C.?
At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we’re committed to helping San Diego families navigate the complexities of custody law with confidence and clarity. As laws evolve, so must your legal strategies—and our firm stays on the cutting edge of legislative change to ensure your rights are protected.
We provide:
- Detailed parenting plan development
- Strategic advocacy in mediation and litigation
- Skilled representation in modification and enforcement
- Compassionate, child-centered counsel
Whether you’re drafting your first custody agreement or seeking changes in response to California’s 2025 family law reform, our experienced San Diego child custody lawyer is ready to support you every step of the way.
Speak With an Experienced Family Law Attorney in San Diego
If you’re a parent in San Diego facing custody challenges, we’re here to help. Call our San Diego family law attorney at Mattis Law, A.P.C., at (858) 328-4400 to learn more today. We’ll be happy to assist you and provide strategies for building a parenting plan that supports your rights, your child’s needs, and your family’s future.