In California, either parent may have exclusive custody or the parents may split custody. Although the judge makes the final decision about custody and visitation, he or she will typically approve the arrangement (the parenting plan) reached by both parents. California law expresses no favor for one parent over another in a custody dispute. Custody determinations must be made with the child’s best interests in mind. That being said, moms have historically been granted custody more frequently than fathers, as they are frequently the primary caregivers for their children.