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Serving Sacramento · Placer · El Dorado · Yolo Counties · 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.

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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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Expertise.com Sacramento Family Lawyers
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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

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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 across Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo counties.

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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.

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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.

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I Need a Restraining Order

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

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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.

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Simple Process

How It Works

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

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📞

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.

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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.

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We Fight For You

Mr. Sarkovich builds your case and stands beside you at every Sacramento County, Placer County, El Dorado County, and Yolo County court hearing — fighting tenaciously for the outcome you deserve.

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Client Voices

Outcomes That Matter

Tap the dots to read each story — read all reviews

★★★★★

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 — including the Sacramento Superior Court and William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse — 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
Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado & Yolo Counties
Legal Insights

California Family Law Resource Center

Practical guidance on restraining orders, child custody, and your rights under California law. Click any article to read more.

What Is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in California?+

DVRO · CALIFORNIA LAW · March 2025

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order that protects victims of abuse from their abuser. California law defines abuse broadly — physical violence, emotional abuse, threats, harassment, stalking, and destroying your property all qualify. Qualifying relationships include current or former spouses, dating partners, co-parents, and close family members.

Types: Emergency Protective Order (5–7 days, issued by police on the spot), Temporary Restraining Order (20–25 days), and Restraining Order After Hearing (up to 5 years, renewable). We offer free consultations for qualifying DVRO cases.

Emergency Protective Orders: What Happens in the First 24 Hours+

DVRO · EMERGENCY · February 2025

An EPO is issued by law enforcement 24/7 with no court appearance needed. It lasts 5–7 days. Immediately after: Document everything (photos, screenshots, timeline). Notify your children's school. File for a TRO before the EPO expires. Violating an EPO is a criminal offense — call 911 immediately.

Legal vs. Physical Custody in California: What Is the Difference?+

CHILD CUSTODY · BASICS · January 2025

Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about your child's life — education, healthcare, religion. Courts strongly favor joint legal custody. Physical custody determines where the child lives day-to-day. Joint physical custody doesn't require 50/50. If there is a history of domestic violence, the court may limit custody or require supervised visitation.

How California Courts Decide Custody: The Best Interests Standard+

CHILD CUSTODY · BEST INTERESTS · January 2025

California courts use the "best interests of the child" standard (Family Code 3011). Judges evaluate: child's health, safety and welfare; abuse history by either parent; each parent's involvement; substance abuse; and ties to home and school. Under Family Code Section 3044, awarding custody to a parent who committed domestic violence in the past 5 years is presumed detrimental to the child.

How to Get a Restraining Order in California: Step-by-Step+

DVRO · STEP-BY-STEP · December 2024

Step 1: Complete DV-100 — be specific and factual. Step 2: File at Sacramento Superior Court (720 Ninth St) — no filing fee. Step 3: Serve the restrained person (sheriff does this free). Step 4: Attend the hearing with photos, police reports, and threatening messages. Having an attorney dramatically improves your outcome.

Can You Modify a Custody Order in California?+

CHILD CUSTODY · MODIFICATION · November 2024

Yes. Courts can modify custody when there has been a significant change in circumstances — 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 through an ex parte order.

Domestic Violence and Child Custody: How Abuse Affects Custody Decisions+

CUSTODY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE · September 2024

Family Code Section 3044 presumes awarding custody to a parent who committed domestic violence in the past 5 years is detrimental to the child. Courts evaluate police reports, restraining orders, medical records, and witness testimony. Supervised visitation or full suspension may be ordered. Call us for a free consultation.

Can I Afford a Family Law Attorney? Low-Income Options in Sacramento+

ACCESS TO JUSTICE · August 2024

We offer free initial consultations for qualifying DVRO and child custody cases, generous discounts for low-income clients, and flexible payment arrangements. The Sacramento County Superior Court also has a free Family Law Facilitator's Office. Going unrepresented carries serious risks — talk to us first.

Free consultations for qualifying DVRO and custody matters.

Call (916) 545-5036