Child Custody Attorney
Looking for a child custody attorney
Child custody disputes are not exclusive to couples going through divorce. They can involve biological parents who were never married, grandparents, and at times, other extended family members. The process of establishing and maintaining a secure and stable living arrangement, as well as a custody schedule that addresses the needs of a beloved child, can swiftly become emotionally charged, intricate, time-consuming, and financially burdensome.
Types of Child Custody Arrangements
There are several types of child custody arrangements for co-parenting families. Physical custody is sharing a home with a child and handling their day-to-day care. Legal custody is the right to make important decisions regarding your child's life. Legal custody involves major decisions related to health care, religious upbringing, education, and extracurricular activities.
Joint custody is when both parents share parental rights and their child's living arrangements. Joint legal custody means that parents equally share in the decision-making process regarding their child. Joint physical custody means the child will spend nearly equal time with both parents. This is usually close to 50-50, but not always.
Sole custody is where only one parent or guardian has sole physical custody and sole legal custody of the child. This custody order is appropriate when one parent's ability to care for the child is not in the child's best interest, possibly because that parent is unfit. This happens when, for example, a parent is guilty of domestic violence or child abuse. However, the non-custodial parent may still retain other parental rights, such as parenting time or visitation rights.
How is custody determined?
Determinations regarding child custody and visitation arrangements can be reached through parental agreement, mediation, or negotiation. Alternatively, if consensus proves unattainable, the court will step in to make the final decision. When it comes to court-ordered child custody, the primary criterion is the well-being of the child. Judges weigh various factors to reach a decision, including:
The best interest of the child;
The parents’ ability to provide and take care of the child;
The parents' wishes as to the appropriate time sharing between households;
The emotional bond and relationship between the child and other siblings or family members in each home;
Additionally, in some states the child may have a say in who they choose to live with depending on the child’s age.
Engaging the services of a seasoned child custody attorney can enhance your readiness for both mediation and trial proceedings. Your Law attorney will offer invaluable experience and insights to assist you in effectively prioritizing your children's well-being and preparing for any complex issues that may arise during mediation or trial. Moreover, your attorney will exude confidence in the courtroom and be skilled in negotiations with the other parent and their legal counsel. The presence of an experienced custody attorney will provide you with a clear roadmap and a comprehensive understanding as you navigate the child custody process.
Get In Touch
Email
preston.vanwinkle@outlook.com
Address
9714 BADEN LN, AUSTIN, TX, 78754
Assistance Hours
Mon – Sat 9:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday – CLOSED
Phone Number:
(833) 455-1937
