Harvest, AL Custody Lawyers
Matters pertaining to your children, and especially the amount of time you are allowed to spend with them, are always extremely emotionally challenging. Whether you are going through a divorce, have been co-parenting for years, or have kids outside of marriage, custody disputes have the potential to breed tension and conflict, making it difficult to make rational decisions. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the guidance of skilled legal professionals who understand the nuances of Alabama family law and can help you find the best path forward for your family.
At Foxtrot Family Law, our dedicated Harvest custody lawyers stand by your side as you navigate this period of uncertainty. Just like you, we want the best for your kids, so you can trust us to learn more about your needs before crafting a legal strategy. Each family is different, so your custody agreement should be tailored to work for you, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
No matter how complex you believe your situation may be, we are confident that our team can put you in the best possible position to achieve the right results. We have decades of collective experience and know the Alabama laws like the backs of our hands. Call today to request your initial consultation and learn more about how we can serve you.
Understanding How Custody Agreements Are Reached In Alabama
There’s no law that requires you to be friends with your child’s other parent, or even to like them, but when you can both agree to work together to determine a custody arrangement that meets your family’s unique needs, you maintain a sense of control over how the future unfolds for both you and your kids. If you are not able to work together to reach an agreement, it will be left up to a judge who does not know anything about your family.
The judge will evaluate your family’s situation and use a variety of factors to determine what kind of arrangement will best serve your children’s needs. A few of these factors include:
- An agreement, or lack thereof, between both parents
- The children’s needs
- The children’s relationship with both parents and any siblings
- Work schedules
- Mental and physical health of both parents
- Plans for childcare
- History of neglect or abuse
- And more!
Our battle-tested Harvest custody lawyers have the knowledge and skill set to provide whatever aid your situation calls for, whether you need help keeping the peace to minimize conflict or need an aggressive litigator by your side in court.
Understanding What Custody Consists Of In Alabama
There are two types of custody in Alabama: legal and physical. Legal custody pertains to which parent will hold the decision-making power when it comes to matters like education, healthcare, religion, and more. Physical custody refers to which parent the children will live with the majority of the time. Both legal and physical custody are responsibilities that can be allocated solely to one parent, or shared jointly by both.
Alabama courts encourage joint custody as much as possible, but they always prioritize the best interests of the kids. So, if there is evidence that joint custody does not reflect their best interests (such as one parent’s history of violence, abuse, or substance abuse), they will always take this into consideration.
As already stated, each family is unique, so it’s important that you don’t enter your custody case thinking that what worked for other families will work for yours. Our skilled Harvest custody lawyers will help craft a solution that protects your kids’ best interests and works best for your family’s needs.
We Know How Quickly Custody Issues Can Spiral Out Of Hand. Let Our Harvest Custody Lawyers Help Keep Your Case On-Track From Start To Finish!
As difficult as your divorce or custody dispute may seem for you, remember that it is even more so for your children. Their lives have likely been disrupted in several ways, and while we don’t want you to feel guilty or beat yourself up over it, you should do what you can to soften the impact that these legal challenges can have on them.
Our Harvest custody lawyers can help by supporting you and guiding you toward a solution that promotes your kids’ stability and well-being. We put both our exceptional legal acumen and our compassionate service together to work for you. Call today to request your consultation and take the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custody In Harvest, AL
Can my child choose what custody schedule they want to follow?
While the court does take into account the child’s preference (granted they are old enough, and mature enough, to voice that opinion), it will ultimately always rule in favor of whatever arrangement is in their best interests, regardless of their preference.
Who is required to pay child support?
Typically, the non-custodial parent is required to pay child support.
How are child support amounts determined?
Child support payments are determined by the Alabama child support guidelines, which is a formula that involves each parent’s gross income, the custody schedule, and the amount of children requiring support, and possibly other factors if the court finds them relevant.
Can I get sole custody of my kids?
As already stated, Alabama courts typically seek joint custody for children when it’s in their best interests. If you believe there are circumstances which lead you to believe sole custody is in their best interests, you can discuss them with our Harvest custody lawyers, who can then help you determine the most optimal path forward.
