Child custody disputes are often emotionally draining for all parties involved. It can be hard to determine who should have primary custody, what visitation schedule is best, or where the children will spend important holidays and vacations. Having a child custody lawyer near me by your side to advocate for your rights can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Custody arrangements are based on what is in the “best interests of the child” standard, which requires courts to consider each unique situation and all relevant circumstances. The primary factor will always be the happiness, health and welfare of the children involved. We help clients create parenting plans that are customized to their individual goals, and we utilize all available methods to settle the case outside of court. When necessary, we have extensive trial experience to help our clients prevail in court.
Typically, parents will have both physical and legal custody of their children in the event of divorce or separation. Legal custody refers to the decision-making authority over a child, while physical custody is the amount of time a child will spend with each parent. Joint custody is the most common arrangement, but in some cases, sole legal or physical custody may be ordered by the court. If you are facing such a situation, consulting with a child custody lawyer near me can provide the guidance and representation you need.
If a judge believes one or both parents are unfit to manage the well-being of a child, they may order that only one parent have sole custody and allow the other parent visitation on a reasonable basis. This is rare, but it does occur. The judge will work out a visitation plan that is in the best interest of the child. Engaging a child custody lawyer near me can ensure that your rights and your child's best interests are protected in these delicate situations.
Our lawyers represent both mothers and fathers in legal proceedings involving custody of their children. We know how much a child means to each of our clients, and we will fight aggressively for your right to maintain a close relationship with your children. If you're seeking assistance in custody matters, consider reaching out to a child custody lawyer near me for expert advice and support.
We also assist clients who need to modify their child custody and visitation agreements as life changes, such as the arrival of a new spouse or the return of a former partner. It is never a good idea to stop paying child support or allow yourself to fall behind in payments, but our attorneys can help you navigate these issues. Working with a child custody lawyer near me can be instrumental in finding a solution that is mutually agreeable. Contact us today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. We offer consultations and are available to meet in person or over the phone, as convenient for you.
Parents in a divorce or separation may struggle with custody issues that are often the most contentious. A skilled local attorney, like a child custody lawyer near me, can help you understand the laws governing child custody, create a parenting plan, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.
When discussing child custody arrangements, there are two different types: legal and physical custody. The court awards one or both of these in a variety of ways depending on the circumstances. If you're navigating this complex process, consulting with a child custody lawyer near me can provide valuable guidance. Legal custody can be awarded to one parent (sole custody), both parents (joint legal custody) or non-parents (supervised visitation).
The law states that the best interests of the child are the primary consideration in awarding both types of custody. In such cases, having a child custody lawyer near me by your side can ensure that your child's welfare is the top priority. The judge will examine various factors, including the wishes of the child, living arrangement history, and each parent’s ability to be active in the child’s life.
Generally, the court favors joint legal custody arrangements but will award sole legal custody if it believes that the child’s health or safety is in danger. If you face a situation where sole custody might be considered, engaging a child custody lawyer near me can be crucial in protecting your rights and your child's best interests.
In some situations, it is possible for a spouse to file for custody of the child with only a petition and an affidavit from the victim. This process can be complicated, and the assistance of a child custody lawyer near me can be instrumental in navigating the legal system and ensuring the best possible outcome for your child. The court will also determine a parenting plan and a timeline for the return of the children to both parties.
The custody of children is typically one of the most contentious issues during divorce or a separation. In such times, seeking a child custody lawyer near me can be crucial for parents who are navigating the complexities of family law. The objective, evidence-based “best interests of the child” standard is the legal standard that family courts use to determine custody. This article will discuss how the court makes this determination and what factors can influence the outcome of a case.
There are two types of custody that the state can award parents: legal and physical. Legal custody gives a parent the ability to make decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and welfare while physical custody refers to where the child will live. When dealing with these issues, having a child custody lawyer near me can provide essential legal guidance and representation. Generally speaking, the state prefers that both parents be awarded joint legal custody with each parent having decision-making authority and that both parents have regular physical contact with their children. However, the law is not set in stone and a parent can be awarded sole legal or sole physical custody based on their particular situation.
In cases where the parents can agree on a custody arrangement, that plan will often be approved by the court without any formal hearing. However, if disagreements arise, consulting with a child custody lawyer near me can help in reaching a mutually agreeable solution or in representing your interests in court. This is called a mutual consent judgment. If the parents cannot reach an agreement on their own or with the help of a mediator, there will be one or more formal hearings and possibly a trial before the judge makes a final ruling.
Whether or not a judge will award both parents joint legal and physical custody depends on several factors in a case. A child custody lawyer near me can assist in navigating these factors, including the abilities of both parents to care for the child, the child’s adjustment to their current environment, and the presence of any domestic violence or substance abuse issues. The wishes of the child will also be taken into consideration but they will not be the deciding factor.
A child custody lawyer near me will have years of experience guiding families through the divorce and custody process. They will be dedicated to protecting your rights in these sensitive matters. A seasoned lawyer in this field could be a valuable asset in your case and can help you present a compelling argument to the court based on all of the relevant evidence in your case.
McConnell Family Law Group
500 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, United States
(203) 541-5520