Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody is the most important issue in a divorce. It is the part of the divorce that deals with the rights and obligations of committed parents seeking to serve the best interests of the children in their lives while ending their marriage.

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Child custody refers to the primary duties and responsibilities for minor children and generally refers to the legal process for determining how such obligations will be allocated or shared between competing interests.

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Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your child custody case.

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Who has custody of a child when the parents are not married?

In all child custody matters, the courts and agencies are driven by what is in the best interest of the child. Regardless of the marital status of the parents, our custody lawyers help clients put their best foot forward showing how the best interest of the child is served in their custody.

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Child Custody for Fathers

The traditional presumptions regarding a father’s role in the life of his children have changed. The courts look at the facts of each case in determining what is in the best interest of the children regardless of historical tradition.

 

An experienced child custody attorney at Foxtrot Family Law will work with you to tell your story, make sure that your rights and interests as a father are protected, and that the best interest of your children is served.

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Child Custody for Mothers

The traditional presumptions of a mother’s role in the life of her children have changed. Mothers cannot assume that they will get custody of their children simply because they are the mother. The courts look at the facts of each case in determining what is in the best interest of the children regardless of any notion of historical tradition.

 

An experienced custody attorney at Foxtrot Family Law will work with you to tell your story, make sure that your rights and interests as a mother are protected and preserved, and that the best interest of your children is served.

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Is a lawyer necessary for child custody?

Having an experienced and capable child custody lawyer is critical to effectively showing the court what is in the best interest of a child in a custody determination, as that is what the court is charged with deciding.

 

Our child custody lawyers focus on child custody issues in courts in Guntersville, Huntsville, Arab, Scottsboro, Decatur, Athens, and Cullman. We know what to expect and what is expected of those appearing in these courts.

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What kind of lawyer deals with child custody?

We focus on child custody-related issues because we recognize the importance of children being raised in the best circumstances. Child custody law is challenging but it is what we have chosen to do because we appreciate its significance in the lives of so many affected by child custody decisions, not the least of which are the children themselves. Child custody issues are not to be taken lightly. They are important and shouldn’t be trusted to someone who dabbles in the area just because they handle divorces.

 

How much do child custody lawyers cost?

The cost of our child custody lawyers depends on the facts and circumstances of the case, and each case is different. But our clients have a clear understanding of what to expect from the very beginning and with every development in the case. Our goal is to anticipate questions and avoid surprises. We are upfront and honest with our clients about everything related to our representation. We can also work with our clients on payment arrangements and options.

 

What is standard visitation?

There isn’t a standard visitation established by law. The parties can agree on any visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent provided that the court agrees it is in the best interest of the child. Our child custody lawyers regularly work with non-custodial parents to maximize their visitation and show the court what “standard visitation” should mean in each particular case.

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How Child Custody is Determined

Who determines custody of a child?

Unless there is an agreement between interested parties, the custody of a child is determined by a court, by a judge. Even if there is an agreement, the court will have to agree.

 

When is child custody determined?

Child custody is determined whenever the parents will not be living together and cannot agree on how to share responsibilities for the health, education, and welfare of the child. It occurs when married parents divorce. It can also be addressed whenever there is a material change in circumstances involving those for whom custody has already been determined.

 

Can child custody be appealed or changed?

A court’s or a judge’s decision on custody can be appealed to a higher court provided that the appeal is filed in a timely manner. Child custody decisions can also be re-addressed if there is a material change in the facts and circumstances which existed when the custody decision was originally made. Our child custody lawyers can give you an honest assessment of the likelihood of an appeal being successful or a change in custody being awarded.

 

Child Custody Mediation

How does child custody mediation work?

Mediation is a confidential process where an independent third-party neutral assists the parties in trying to reach a compromise settlement. Child custody mediation brings together those who have an interest in a child’s custody to negotiate a compromise resolution of the dispute.

 

What happens if you miss child custody mediation?

If a child custody mediation is missed, the judge or the mediator may allow the mediation to be rescheduled and attempted again.

 

Who can attend child custody mediation?

It is up to the mediator and the parties as to who is allowed to attend a mediation session.