Having the most effective attorney on your side is crucial, regardless of whether the family law issue pertains to child custody, parental time, grandparents’ rights, domestic violence, or any other intricate situation. This is particularly true in cases involving minors.
A competent child custody attorney will assist you in comprehending your rights and alternatives, and will strive to guarantee that the best interests of your children are prioritized. However, selecting an attorney can be a difficult decision. Parents should initiate the process by soliciting recommendations from acquaintances and family members. Furthermore, they should seek attorneys with whom they are at ease and whose personal style is consistent with their own. Afterward, they should verify whether the attorney possesses any specialized certifications or memberships that serve as indicators of their dedication and expertise in family law.
A judge will consider a variety of factors that are deemed to be in the best interest of the children when making a custody decision. Some of these factors include the current living situation and history of both homes, the capabilities of each parent to maintain a close parent-child relationship, the criminal records of each parent, any prior allegations of abuse or neglect, and the children’s requirements. The magistrate will also take into account the child’s preference, provided that they have reached an age at which it is permissible to do so.
Despite the fact that courts favor parents who are able to reach a mutually agreeable agreement on custody issues, they will not intervene if there is no such agreement. In this scenario, the court will designate a custody evaluator to provide a recommendation on behalf of the children. This individual will conduct interviews with the parents, the children (provided that they are of legal age), and any other pertinent parties. The evaluator will subsequently document their findings in a report. The court’s custody decision will be predicated on the findings of this report.
The custody arrangement will typically remain in effect until there is a significant change in circumstances, after it has been established by the court. If either parent is of the opinion that the current custody agreement is no longer in the best interest of the child, they have the option to petition for modification. A competent child custody attorney will be capable of aiding a client in the successful submission of a modification request. It is important for parents to be aware that the process of altering a custody order is not straightforward and may require a significant amount of time in the majority of states. In certain instances, it may be necessary to appeal the modification. For these reasons, it is imperative that both parents have the appropriate legal representation to address this family law matter.