📞 (916) 545-5036 Available 24/7
Serving Greater Sacramento · Virtual Consultations

Protecting
What Matters
Most

Family Law Excellence

Sacramento's dedicated practice for child custody and restraining orders. Consultations by Zoom or phone — we stand beside you in person at every court hearing.

CA State Bar Member
Free DVRO & Custody Consult
Available 24 / 7
Low Income Discounts
No Cost · No Obligation

Free Consultations for Qualifying DVRO & Custody Cases

If you are facing a domestic violence restraining order matter or a child custody dispute, cost should never stand between you and skilled legal help. Qualifying clients receive a free initial consultation — completely confidential, available now.

Call Now — Free & Confidential
Child Custody Custody Modifications Restraining Orders Emergency Protective Orders Visitation Rights Domestic Violence Protection Child Custody Custody Modifications Restraining Orders Emergency Protective Orders Visitation Rights Domestic Violence Protection
Why Choose Us

No Barrier to Justice

Attorney Marco Sarkovich built this firm so that financial hardship never stands between a Sacramento family and skilled legal representation.

FREE
Consultation

For qualifying domestic violence & restraining order cases — no obligation, fully confidential.

LOW
Income Discount

Generous discounts on legal fees for qualifying low-income clients in the Sacramento community.

24/7
Always Available

Emergencies don't wait for business hours. We are available around the clock, every day.

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State Bar of California Active Licensed Member
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Avvo Profile Family Law Attorney
Expertise.com Sacramento Family Lawyers
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98% Client Satisfaction Verified by Client Reviews
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MS
Marco Sarkovich
Lead Attorney · Founder
5+
Years of Practice
98%
Client Satisfaction
Lead Attorney

Marco Sarkovich

"I became a lawyer because I believe everyone — regardless of income — deserves a skilled, tenacious advocate when it matters most."

Attorney Marco Sarkovich is an experienced litigator with over five years of legal practice experience. Driven by a deep passion for helping victims of domestic violence and parents fighting for their children, Mr. Sarkovich made the deliberate decision to open his own family law practice — bringing his full litigation skills to the cases that matter most.

Mr. Sarkovich knows what it means to come from humble beginnings. That lived experience shapes everything about how this firm operates — from the free consultations offered to qualifying domestic violence and child custody clients, to the generous discounts extended to those of lesser financial means.

Every case this firm accepts receives the full attention it deserves. Mr. Sarkovich personally prepares your legal strategy, personally stands beside you in the courtroom, and is personally invested in seeing your case through to the best possible outcome — because for him, this work has always been about more than the law.

LICENSEDCalifornia State Bar
FOCUSEDFamily Law · DVRO
SERVINGGreater Sacramento
RATED98% Satisfaction
Schedule with Mr. Sarkovich
What We Do

Areas of Practice

01
👨‍👩‍👧

Child Custody & Visitation

Thoughtful custody arrangements that place your children's wellbeing first. Contested and uncontested parenting plans, modifications, and visitation disputes handled with care and precision — fighting for outcomes that truly serve your children.

02
🛡️

Restraining Orders & Protective Orders

Immediate, confidential legal protection when you need it most. Emergency protective orders, domestic violence restraining orders, and civil harassment orders — moving swiftly and decisively with your safety as the absolute priority.

Free Consultation — DVRO & Custody →
Your Situation

Which Describes You?

Every situation is different. Tell us where you are and we will give you exactly the information you need.

🛡️

I Need a Restraining Order

I am afraid of someone and need immediate legal protection. Qualifying cases receive a free consultation.

Learn More →
👨‍👩‍👧

I Am Fighting for My Children

I need custody help, a modification, or to protect my children from an unsafe situation. Qualifying cases receive a free consultation.

Learn More →
Simple Process

How It Works

From your first call to your day in court, we make the process clear and manageable.

01
📞

Call or Contact Us

Reach out by phone, email, or contact form — any time, day or night. We respond promptly and treat every inquiry with complete confidentiality.

02
💬

Free Consultation

Meet over Zoom or phone. Your situation will be heard, your options clearly explained, and a path forward outlined — with no obligation. Qualifying DVRO and custody cases receive this consultation at no cost.

03
⚖️

We Fight For You

Mr. Sarkovich builds your case and stands beside you in person at every court hearing — fighting tenaciously for the outcome you deserve.

Begin Today — It Costs Nothing to Call
Client Voices

Outcomes That Matter

★★★★★

They secured a custody arrangement I never thought possible and made sure my children's voices were truly heard throughout the entire process.

David R.
Child Custody Modification · Placer County
★★★★★

When my restraining order was granted, I broke down in tears. For the first time in years I felt truly safe. This office gave me my peace of mind back — I am forever grateful.

Anonymous Client
Restraining Order Granted · Sacramento County
★★★★★

My children and I are in a far better place because of this firm. The custody outcome exceeded what I believed was possible going in.

Catherine M.
Contested Custody · Sacramento County
★★★★★

I was scared and didn't know where to turn. The consultation was over Zoom and I felt heard immediately. When we went to court, my attorney was right there with me. I wasn't alone.

Maria T.
Emergency Protective Order · Elk Grove
Results That Speak

Recent Outcomes

Restraining Order

DVRO Granted Within 48 Hours

Client facing immediate danger received emergency protective order same day. Full restraining order granted at hearing with no opposition able to overcome the evidence presented.

Sacramento County · 2024
Child Custody

Primary Custody Secured for Client

In a contested custody matter involving allegations of domestic violence, client was awarded primary physical custody and sole legal custody, with opposing party granted supervised visitation only.

Placer County · 2024
Custody Modification

Existing Order Successfully Modified

Court granted the requested modification after significant change in circumstances, increasing client's parenting time and adjusting terms to better reflect the children's current needs.

Sacramento County · 2023

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different. Results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual matter.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we hear most often from Sacramento families. If yours isn't answered here, call us — we are available 24 hours a day.

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) typically lasts 20–25 days until your court hearing. After the hearing, if a permanent restraining order is granted, it can last up to 5 years and is renewable. An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) issued by law enforcement lasts 5–7 days.
Yes. California law defines abuse broadly. You do not need to have been physically harmed to qualify for a DVRO. Emotional abuse, harassment, threats, stalking, disturbing your peace, and destroying your property can all form the basis for a restraining order.
A TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) is issued quickly — often the same day you file — without the other party present. It lasts until your court hearing. A DVRO (Domestic Violence Restraining Order) is the broader term for restraining orders in domestic violence cases. After your hearing, if the judge rules in your favor, a Restraining Order After Hearing is issued, lasting up to 5 years.
California Family Code Section 3044 creates a legal presumption that giving custody to a parent who committed domestic violence in the past 5 years is detrimental to the child. Courts take documented domestic violence very seriously and it can result in the abusive parent receiving only supervised visitation or no visitation at all.
Your initial consultation with Mr. Sarkovich is over Zoom or phone — private and on your schedule. Court hearings do require in-person attendance. When your case goes to court, Attorney Sarkovich will be there with you in person at every hearing, so you are never alone when it matters most.
We offer free initial consultations for qualifying domestic violence restraining order and child custody cases. We also offer generous discounts on legal fees for low-income clients. Contact us to discuss your situation — we will be honest about costs and work with your financial reality.
Yes. Courts can modify custody orders when there has been a significant change in circumstances — such as relocation, substance abuse, new domestic violence, or a major change in the child's needs. In emergencies involving immediate danger, courts can act the same day.
For a DVRO consultation: any documentation of abuse — photos of injuries, screenshots of threatening messages, police reports, or a written timeline of incidents. For custody: any existing court orders, relevant correspondence, and a summary of the current arrangement. Come even if you have nothing — we will work with what you have.
Sole custody means one parent has exclusive rights, while joint custody is shared. California distinguishes between legal custody — the right to make major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion — and physical custody — where the child lives. You can have joint legal custody but sole physical custody, or any combination. Courts in California strongly prefer joint legal custody so both parents stay involved in major decisions, unless there is a history of abuse or domestic violence.
California judges use the "best interests of the child" standard under Family Code Section 3011. The court evaluates the health, safety, and welfare of the child; any history of abuse or domestic violence by either parent; how much time each parent has spent with the child; substance abuse history; and the child's ties to home, school, and community. There is no automatic preference for mothers or fathers — the court looks at the full picture of each parent's involvement and fitness.
California law does not set a specific age at which a child can "choose" a parent. However, under Family Code Section 3042, a child who is 14 or older has the right to address the court about their custody preferences, and a judge must consider their wishes unless it would not be in the child's best interest. Children younger than 14 may also have their preferences considered if the court finds they are mature enough to reason. Ultimately the judge always has the final say.
No — not without the other parent's written consent or a new court order. Under California law, a parent who wants to relocate with a child must provide written notice to the other parent at least 45 days in advance and file with the court if the other parent objects. The relocating parent must show the move is in good faith and the court will then re-evaluate custody in light of the proposed move. Violations of a custody order by relocating without permission can result in serious legal consequences including loss of custody.
Under California Family Code Section 3044, a criminal conviction or documented finding of domestic violence creates a legal presumption that awarding custody to that parent is detrimental to the child. Even an arrest or a restraining order — without a conviction — can significantly impact a custody case. The court may order supervised visitation only, suspend visitation entirely, or require the offending parent to complete a batterer's intervention program before any custody rights are considered. This is one of the most powerful protections in California family law.
A parenting plan — also called a custody and visitation agreement — is a detailed written document that outlines how parents will share time with their child and how major decisions will be made. In California, courts require a parenting plan in all custody cases. It covers the regular custody schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, how parents will communicate, and how disputes will be handled. Having an attorney help you draft a thorough parenting plan protects you from future conflicts and gives the court clear terms to enforce.
Yes, under limited circumstances. California Family Code Section 3103 allows grandparents to petition for reasonable visitation rights if it is in the best interest of the child and a preexisting relationship between the grandparent and child has been established. However, this right is not automatic — courts presume that a fit parent's decision to limit grandparent contact is in the child's best interest, so grandparents face a higher legal hurdle. An attorney can help evaluate whether a grandparent visitation petition is appropriate in your situation.
No. In California, an unmarried father must legally establish paternity before he has any enforceable custody or visitation rights. Paternity can be established by signing a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage at the hospital when the child is born, or by filing a court action. Once paternity is established, the father has the same right to seek custody and visitation as a married father would. Until then, the mother has sole legal and physical custody by default. If you are an unmarried parent — mother or father — establishing legal parentage is the essential first step.
Get in Touch

Begin Your Consultation

Every matter begins with a confidential consultation — over Zoom or by phone, on your schedule. Qualifying domestic violence restraining order and child custody clients receive a free initial consultation. We also offer generous discounts for low-income clients.

Hours
Available 24 / 7
Service Area
Greater Sacramento · Virtual

Prefer to schedule online? Book your Zoom consultation directly.

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ROC FAMILY LAW — Blog
Legal Insights

California Family Law Resource Center

Practical guidance on domestic violence restraining orders, child custody, and your rights under California law — written to help you understand your options and take action with confidence.

ROC FAMILY LAW — Client Reviews
Client Voices

What Our Clients Say

Real words from real Sacramento families we have helped. Every review is genuine — our clients' trust is everything to us.

★ Leave Us a Google Review
★★★★★

"They secured a custody arrangement I never thought possible and made sure my children's voices were truly heard throughout the entire process. Mr. Sarkovich was prepared, compassionate, and relentless. I cannot recommend this firm highly enough."

David R.
Child Custody Modification · Placer County · 2024
★★★★★

"When my restraining order was granted, I broke down in tears. For the first time in years I felt truly safe. This office gave me my peace of mind back — I am forever grateful. The consultation was free and confidential and I felt heard from the very first call."

Anonymous Client
Domestic Violence Restraining Order · Sacramento County · 2024
★★★★★

"My children and I are in a far better place because of this firm. The custody outcome exceeded what I believed was possible going in. Mr. Sarkovich showed up prepared, confident, and clearly cared about my family's outcome — not just the case."

Catherine M.
Contested Custody · Sacramento County · 2024
★★★★★

"I was scared and didn't know where to turn. The consultation was over Zoom and I felt heard immediately. When we went to court, my attorney was right there with me. I wasn't alone. That meant everything."

Maria T.
Emergency Protective Order · Elk Grove · 2024
★★★★★

"As a single mother with limited income, I was terrified I wouldn't be able to afford real legal help. Mr. Sarkovich offered me a discount and treated my case with the same seriousness as any other. He fought hard and we won. This firm is a gift to this community."

Leticia G.
Child Custody · Sacramento · 2023
★★★★★

"I called at 11pm scared for my safety. Someone answered. By the next morning I had legal guidance and a plan. The emergency protective order was filed the same day. I will never forget how this firm showed up for me when I needed it most."

Anonymous Client
Emergency Protective Order · Sacramento · 2024

Ready to add your story? Every review helps another Sacramento family in need find the right legal help.

Leave a Google Review ★
I Need a Restraining Order
You Are Not Alone

I Need a Restraining Order

If you are afraid, you do not have to wait. California law has powerful protections available to you right now — and you may qualify for a free consultation with Attorney Marco Sarkovich.

Call Now — Free & Confidential
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER

Call 911 first. Law enforcement can issue an Emergency Protective Order on the spot, 24 hours a day. Then call us — we will handle everything from there.

What is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

A DVRO is a court order that legally requires the abusive person to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your children's school. It can prohibit all contact — calls, texts, emails, and messages through third parties. Violating it is a criminal offense.

California defines abuse broadly. You do not need to have been physically harmed. Emotional abuse, threats, harassment, stalking, and disturbing your peace all qualify.

Types of Protective Orders in California

Emergency Protective Order (EPO)

Issued by law enforcement on the scene, 24/7. Lasts 5–7 days. No court appearance needed. Available the same night you call police.

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

Filed at the courthouse — often granted the same day. Lasts 20–25 days until your full hearing. Can include child custody protections.

Restraining Order After Hearing

Issued after a full court hearing. Lasts up to 5 years, renewable. This is where having an experienced attorney makes the biggest difference.

Why Hire an Attorney for a Restraining Order?

You can file for a restraining order without an attorney — but the paperwork, the hearing preparation, and the courtroom are where cases are won or lost. The abuser may show up with their own attorney. You deserve equally skilled representation.

Attorney Marco Sarkovich has handled dozens of DVRO cases in Sacramento and surrounding counties. He will be in that courtroom with you — prepared, assertive, and fighting for your safety.

Free Consultation for Qualifying DVRO & Custody Cases

Cost should never stand between you and safety — or between you and your children. Qualifying domestic violence and child custody clients receive a free initial consultation — available 24/7, completely confidential.

Call (916) 545-5036 — Available Now
I'm Fighting for My Children
Your Children Deserve the Best Outcome

I'm Fighting for My Children

Child custody is the most emotionally charged legal matter a parent can face. Attorney Marco Sarkovich fights to protect your relationship with your children — and to ensure their safety and wellbeing come first.

Call for a Free Consultation

Understanding Your Custody Rights

California law divides custody into two types: legal custody (the right to make major decisions about your child's life) and physical custody (where your child lives). Courts strongly favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain involved — unless there is a history of domestic violence, abuse, or other serious concerns.

Joint Legal Custody

Both parents share the right to make major decisions — education, healthcare, religion. This is the most common outcome in California.

Sole Physical Custody

Your child lives primarily with you. More likely when there is a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or the other parent is deemed unfit.

Custody Modification

Already have an order that isn't working? Courts can modify custody when there has been a significant change in circumstances.

Emergency Custody Orders

If your child is in immediate danger, courts can act the same day. Attorney Sarkovich has experience securing emergency custody orders when children's safety is at risk.

When Domestic Violence Is Involved

California Family Code Section 3044 creates a legal presumption that awarding custody to a parent who has committed domestic violence in the past five years is detrimental to the child. This is one of the most powerful protections in California family law — and one that Mr. Sarkovich knows how to use effectively.

If you have experienced domestic violence, your custody case and your restraining order case are deeply connected. Mr. Sarkovich handles both — giving you a single, unified legal strategy rather than two separate attorneys who don't communicate.

What California Courts Look For

Every custody decision in California is guided by the "best interests of the child" standard. Courts evaluate:

  • The health, safety, and welfare of the child
  • Any history of abuse by either parent
  • How much time each parent has been actively involved
  • The child's ties to home, school, and community
  • Any history of substance abuse by either parent
  • The child's own preference, if they are of sufficient age

Let's Talk About Your Children

Every family situation is different. Call us for a confidential consultation — your specific circumstances will be carefully assessed and your options honestly explained. Qualifying child custody cases receive a free initial consultation. Low-income clients are also offered generous discounts on legal fees, because every parent deserves skilled representation.

Call (916) 545-5036 — 24/7
Legal Disclaimer
Legal Notice

Legal Disclaimer

Last Updated: March 2025 · Restraining Order & Custody Law Office
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this website or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

No Attorney-Client Relationship

No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this website, reading its content, submitting a contact form, or communicating with our office via email or phone until both parties have signed a written retainer agreement.

Informational Purposes Only

Laws change frequently. The information on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The application of law varies widely based on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual case. Do not act or refrain from acting based on anything on this website without first seeking advice from a qualified attorney.

Attorney Advertising

This website constitutes attorney advertising under the rules of the State Bar of California. Results portrayed in any client testimonials or case descriptions are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of any other legal matter. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Free Consultation Eligibility

The offer of a free initial consultation applies to qualifying domestic violence restraining order and child custody cases, and is subject to attorney availability and case eligibility as determined by the firm. It does not obligate either party to enter into a legal services agreement.

Jurisdiction

The Restraining Order & Custody Law Office is licensed to practice law in the State of California only. Nothing on this website should be interpreted as an offer to provide legal services in any other jurisdiction.

Contact

RESTRAINING ORDER & CUSTODY LAW OFFICE

Phone: (916) 545-5036
Email: ROCFamilyLaw@gmail.com
Available 24/7 · Greater Sacramento, California
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