We’ll Help You Do What’s Best for Your Children
Your children are the center of your world. Because they can’t make decisions for themselves, it is essential to do what’s best for them to ensure they have the best childhood possible.
We know how traumatic it can be for a child when their parents split up. Our custody lawyers work with all parties and the court to ensure your little ones are well cared for.
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If you don’t have the money to pay all your legal custody fees up front, ask us about our affordable payment plans. We’ll work with your budget to devise a plan that works for you.
Child Custody & Visitation FAQ
A judge will generally approve your arrangement if both parties agree on custody, parenting, and visitation terms. If you and the other party can’t agree, the judge will decide for you.
Generally, there are two types of custody; legal and physical. If you have legal custody, it means you make all the critical decisions for your child’s welfare, including healthcare and schooling. Physical custody refers to who the child lives with. Legal custody can be sole custody (one parent has custody of and responsibility for the child) or joint custody (both parents share custody).
When a parent does not have the majority of custody, they are referred to as the non-custodial parent.
If both parents agree to the custody terms, the judge will likely legally concur and formalize the agreement. If the parents can’t agree, a judge will consider both arguments and decide based on what they feel is best for the child. Mitigating factors include financial stability, how well the child gets on with each parent, the child’s age, and other factors.
The non-custodial parent is often awarded visitation rights to outline the terms under which they can visit and spend time with the child. There are no cut-and-dried legal rules or rights for visitation as it varies depending on the circumstances.
A guardian other than the parents can obtain custody of a minor child. This generally only happens when both parents consent, if their custodial rights are terminated, or if the biological parents are deemed unfit.
If you are getting ready for a custody hearing, working with a child custody lawyer is always a good idea. Your lawyer will help you prepare for the hearing and explain what to expect. It is advisable to understand the court’s rules, be polite, on time, and let your lawyer take the lead.
Violating a court-mandated custody order could result in you or your ex losing visitation and custody rights. If the relationship with your ex is contentious and you need to change or modify your arrangement, you must do so through proper legal channels. Your lawyer will support you in this to ensure the best possible outcome.