Child Custody Document Preparation

Protect Your Parental Rights Get Clear, Accurate, and Court-Ready Forms

Child custody matters can be emotional, stressful, and legally complex. Whether you’re seeking full custody, joint custody, visitation orders, or modifying an existing order, having correctly prepared paperwork is essential to protecting your rights and your child’s best interests.

We help parents prepare all required California family court documents clearly, accurately, and efficiently — so you can focus on what matters most: your children.

What Is Child Custody?

In California, child custody is divided into two main categories:

Legal Custody

The right to make important decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare.

  • Joint Legal Custody
  • Sole Legal Custody
Physical Custody

Where the child lives and how time is shared between parents.

  • Joint Physical Custody
  • Sole Physical Custody

California courts aim to create a parenting arrangement that serves the best interests of the child, prioritizing stability, safety, and meaningful relationships with both parents whenever appropriate.

What We Can Help You With

As registered Legal Document Assistants (LDA), we can assist with preparing and filing California child custody documents, including:

  • Petition for Custody & Support
  • Request for Order (RFO) for custody/visitation changes
  • Child Visitation (Parenting Time) Orders
  • Parenting Plan agreements
  • Custody modifications due to changes in circumstances
  • Responses to other party’s filings
  • Declarations, supporting evidence, and attachments

We prepare your documents clearly, professionally, and in compliance with California court requirements.

Fee Overview

Uncontested Custody & Support (Both Parties Agree)

Court Filing Fee

  • $435 (court fee)

  • A fee waiver may be available for qualifying low-income petitioners.

Our Service Fees

  • Custody only: $480

  • Child Custody and Child Support: $580

Additional Fees (If Applicable)

  • Court Filing Service: We assist with submitting or e-filing all documents with the court and this is generally included at no additional charge.

  • Service of process to the respondent: Fee depends on the respondent’s location.

  • Special circumstances may result in additional fees, such as:

    • One party is involved in another court case

    • One party cannot be located or is missing

We will always review your situation in advance and clearly explain all fees before any service agreement is signed—no surprises.

Why Choose Oakland Oriental Group?

We are registered Legal Document Assistants (LDA) — fully bonded in Alameda County — offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative to hiring an attorney for cases that do not require legal advice or legal representation.

Experienced in California Child Custody Filings

We have extensive experience preparing family law documents, including custody, visitation, parenting plans, and modifications. Your forms will be organized, court-ready, and tailored to your situation.

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Flat, Affordable Fees

No hourly billing. No hidden costs. Clear and upfront pricing.

Save Time, Stress, and Confusion

Family law paperwork can be overwhelming. We guide you step-by-step and prepare everything correctly the first time.

Personalized Service

Your case is never treated like a number. We take the time to understand your circumstances and help you document your requests clearly and effectively.

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Avoid Unnecessary Attorney Costs

Many custody filings do not require an attorney unless there are legal disputes or complex issues. For straightforward cases, we provide a cost-effective alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

An LDA can help you prepare and file all the required court documents at your direction. We can explain procedures, timelines, and filing requirements — but we cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. If you need legal advice, we may recommend consulting a family law attorney.

Not always. Many parents resolve custody and visitation arrangements through mediation or agreements without legal representation. However, you should consult an attorney if your case involves:

  • Domestic violence
  • Substance abuse issues
  • Safety concerns
  • Complex legal disputes
  • Out-of-state or international custody issues
  • One parent refusing contact
  • Risk of parental abduction

If serious legal complications arise, we may recommend that you consult a licensed attorney.

Courts focus on the best interests of the child, including:

  • The child’s health, safety, and welfare
  • Each parent’s involvement and relationship with the child
  • History of domestic violence or substance abuse
  • Stability of each parent’s home environment
  • The child’s wishes (depending on age)
  • Ability of parents to co-parent cooperatively

We can help you prepare documents that clearly present your requests to the court.

Yes. Many parents file for custody, visitation, and child support together in the same case. We can prepare both custody documents and the support forms required by the court.

Yes. You may request a modification if both parties agree, or if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as:

  • Moving or relocation
  • Changes in a parent’s availability
  • Safety or welfare concerns
  • A parent not following the existing order
  • Changes in the child’s needs or schedule

We can help prepare your modification request and supporting documents.

If the parents do not agree, the court may require mediation. If disagreement continues after mediation, a judge will decide based on the child’s best interests.
We can help you prepare clear, organized paperwork that supports your position, but we cannot represent you in court.

Time varies depending on whether parents agree or disagree:

  • Uncontested cases:may be completed within weeks
  • Contested cases:may take several months

We can help you prepare your documents quickly so your case can move forward as soon as possible.

Yes. If the court or the other party requests additional forms, declarations, or evidence, we will continue to assist you with:

  • Preparing additional filings
  • Organizing supporting documents
  • Explaining court procedures

However, if the situation involves legal issues or potential legal consequences, we may recommend speaking with a family law attorney.

Yes. At your direction, we can help organize and type your declaration, present your facts clearly, and format it according to California court rules. You provide the information — we help put it into a clear, professional document.

Getting started is easy.

Email: johnny@eastbayoriental.com
 Phone: 510-626-0770

You can also use the live chat feature on our website for immediate assistance. If you’re local, you’re welcome to visit our office:
 373 9th St, Suite #504 Oakland, CA 94607

Walk-ins are welcome, but contacting us beforehand helps us better understand your situation and assist you more efficiently.