Child Custody Lawyers in Saint Louis, MO
Questions about child custody are often the most stressful, challenging, and emotionally fraught questions divorcing couples need to face. Of all the aspects of divorce, the outcome of a child custody battle or child custody case will determine your family structure, your children’s living arrangements, and visitation for years to come. Because modifying a child custody arrangement can be very difficult in St. Louis, it is important to get the agreement right the first time. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C. offers professional and compassionate counsel to families dealing with child custody issues. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C. will fight diligently to protect your rights, your children’s rights, and will help your family get the best possible outcome under Saint Louis law.
How Child Custody is Determined in Saint Louis
Only in cases of abuse, neglect, or violence will the courts limit a child’s ability to maintain a bond with both parents. The court will make child custody determinations based on what it believes to be in the best interests of the child. This is the ultimate standard by which the courts make decisions, but many factors can contribute to a child’s best interests. Every family’s needs are unique. A qualified child custody attorney in Saint Louis can help you build a case to support the needs of your children and family. Getting your child custody plan right is incredibly important. A good plan can work for your family for years to come and is more likely to see compliance from all parties. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C. works closely with families to present an accurate picture of your situation to the court to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Having a qualified child custody lawyer on your side reduces the risk that the courts will misinterpret your family’s needs and requirements.
In Saint Louis, courts make child custody determinations based on the wishes of both parents and the need for the child to maintain a relationship with both parents. The courts may consider the child’s current interactions with both parents, with siblings, with his or her community, and school. The courts want to ensure that the parent with primary custody will continue to allow the children to have contact with the other parent. Child custody arrangements must consider the child’s current adjustment at home and school and in some cases, the wishes of the child are also considered. Mental and physical health of both parents are also taken into account. Whether you’re fighting a child custody battle or working with your former spouse to develop a strong child custody plan, a lawyer can help. A good parenting plan is one of the most important steps of a divorce. These plans can endure for years and can often be difficult to change, so it’s important to find a child custody attorney in St. Louis who can help you and your family get it right the first time. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C. will work closely with your family as you navigate these stressful, challenging, and emotionally difficult questions.
Types of Custody
There are several ways the courts can decide your child custody case in Saint Louis. The courts may assign parents joint custody, or one parent sole custody. There are two types of custody matters the courts must consider. One type is legal custody and the other type is physical custody. In general, St. Louis courts will assign joint legal custody to both parents. This allows both parents to make decisions for the children. Only in rare cases will the courts assign one parent sole legal custody. The other kind of custody question—the one that often becomes hotly contested—is physical custody. Physical custody determines where a child will reside. Often one parent receives physical custody with the other parent receiving visitation rights. The court uses the best interests of the child standard to determine physical custody. Whether you are facing a tough uphill legal battle with a violent former spouse, or whether you and your spouse are working together to make decisions about custody, it is important to get advice from a qualified child custody lawyer. Parenting plans must meet certain standards and you’ll want to make sure that the courts approve your plan. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C. will work with you to help you build a sound case in favor of your interests and the interests of your children.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you proceed with your child custody case. You want to find an assertive lawyer with a sound knowledge of Saint Louis law, who knows when to seek compromise and when to fight aggressively for your rights. In cases of abuse, neglect, DUI, or violence, you need a lawyer who won’t tolerate compromises that will place your children in danger. The way your custody case is handled will vary widely depending on your unique situation. In some cases, child custody cases involve the courts, while in some cases, questions can be resolved with mediation outside of court. A child custody lawyer who will honestly assess your needs, your desires, and your children’s needs, will be able to tell you what kind of case you’re likely to have. Choosing the right attorney can seem difficult, but a good attorney will have a clear plan of action to help you get the results you deserve. Before making a decision, speak to an attorney, learn his or her plan of action, and decide whether this plan works for you. The right attorney will be a good communicator, compassionate, and able to convey a clear plan. A good attorney will also be well-versed in local laws. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C. prides itself on its understanding of state and local laws in Saint Louis. Our firm is here to answer your questions, help you plan a course of action, and offer compassionate counsel for you and your family during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more.
