California Family Code sections 6203, 6211 and 6320 define abuse, essentially, as your spouse, former spouse, partner or the parent of your child causing, or attempting to cause, you or your children reasonable fear of imminent bodily injury. In layman's terms, abuse may consist of, for example, beating, cutting, kicking, threatening, stalking or raping you or your children. If any of these actions have recently been taken against you or your children, then call the police immediately!

The majority of family law clients reflexively state "full custody" or "50/50" when the topic of child custody arises in their family law matters. Family law attorneys then spend a good portion of time talking about the different types of custody and what is best for their client's children because "full custody" or "50/50" may or may not be appropriate.