Perhaps one of the major reasons why divorces are so stressful and emotionally exhausting is that there are so many unknowns. For most cases, divorce brings an upheaval in lifestyle changes and adjustments. For this reason and many more, clarity is essential in mitigating stress and moving forward with confidence in divorce cases. Helping you understand the possible outcomes of your divorce and assisting you in achieving the one that’s best for you and your family is why we’re here.
Of all the aspects of a divorce, child visitation and custody are usually the areas that hold the most emotional investment. Child visitation terms determine the kind of relationship you’ll be able to have with your children, how often you will see them, and how involved you will be in their lives. These terms are decided by the courts and are life-altering to say the least!
What are the courts looking for?
According to DivorceNet, judges have a fairly specific range of qualifications that they evaluate when determining what kind of child visitation agreements to award. Like all states, Missouri judges utilize the “best interests of the child” standard when making decisions. Factors that play into a child’s best interests include:
- Age of the children
- Each parent’s living situation
- Each parent’s willingness to support the other’s relationship with the children
- Each parent’s relationship with the children before the divorce
- Children’s preferences
- Continuity and stability of each parent
- In some instances, sexual orientation of each parent
- History or evidence of abuse or neglect in either parent
Proving your desire to be involved in your children’s lives is a serious matter. And according to VeryWellFamily, simply proving that you want to be involved in your children’s lives often isn’t enough. You’ll need to convince the judges that your involvement is beneficial to the children as well. Don’t risk presenting your case inadequately!
How can you prepare?
One of the most surefire ways of getting the child visitation rulings that you’re hoping for is to work with a legal team who has extensive experience in the nuances and expectations of divorce cases and family law in the St. Louis area. Experienced family lawyers like Barbara Behrens can help you get the professional support and assistance that you need. Ms. Behrens has over 30 years of experience helping families like yours get case results that are healthy for everyone involved – especially your children.
When you’re filing for divorce, part of the required paperwork is a proposed parenting plan. Parenting plans include desired days and times for shared custody, as well as the child support requirements that each parent believes are fair. Preparing a well-documented and child-focused Proposed Parenting Plan that is agreeable to the judges is critical for getting your desired results in a divorce. Helping you draft and present a Proposed Parenting Plan is just one of the many dedicated and detail-oriented services we provide when acting as your family law team.
Do what’s best for you and your family. Do your research when it comes to hiring a divorce lawyer or family legal team. Don’t settle for second best, because we can assure you that we never will! Let’s move forward together in achieving the lifestyle that is best for you and your children. Set up a consultation by contacting us online or calling our office at 314-786-3263. Contact us now to learn more.
Behrens Law Firm LLC
75 West Lockwood Avenue
Suite #222
Webster Groves, MO 63119
314-786-3263
