My partner and I are not married, can I still petition the court in California for custody of my child?

Yes, if parentage is established, you may petition the court to specify you want legal, physical, or both custody over your child. You can specify to the court if you are requesting sole or shared custody over your child. The judge will decide if it is in the best interest of the child to do so.

What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

Physical custody refers to where the child resides most of the time. Legal custody means legal decisions made on behalf of the minor child (where they will attend school, doctor visits and medical decisions).