Child Custody

Child custody cases tend to be the most sensitive in family law. As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is protected, and a skilled child custody attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. At Marshall Law PC, we fight for your child's best interest.

Child custody refers to the legal guardianship of a child. In most states, there are two forms of custody: legal and physical.

Legal custody can be granted to one or both parents and refers to the ability to determine the child's lifestyle. Religious, medical, and educational decisions are made for the child by the legal custodian(s).

Physical custody refers to where the child lives. If one parent has sole physical custody, the child lives with that parent and the other parent may be granted visitation. Alternatively, if both parents have physical custody, the child lives with each parent for half of the time.

If a parent has visitation rights, the court determines a schedule for visits between parent and child that is convenient for both parents.

In child custody cases, the court tries to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child. Some factors courts consider include the following:

• The child's age, sex, and mental and physical health
• The parents' mental and physical health
• The parents' lifestyles
• Any history of child abuse
• The emotional bonds between the parents and the child
• Each parent's ability to provide the child with food, shelter, clothing, and medical care
• The child's regular routine
• The quality of the child's education
• The child's preference, if the child is above a certain age (usually around 12)
• Each parent's ability and willingness to encourage contact between the child and the other parent

If necessary, the court may conduct a Child Custody Evaluation that includes interviews and psychological exams for the children and possibly the parents. The court can deny a parent's request for an evaluation; however. if one is performed, the parents may be liable for the cost of the evaluation.

The experienced attorneys at Marshall Law PC have handled many contentious child custody cases. We know that the best solution is one that both parents and the child will be happy with. We can make custody decisions much easier for your family by providing you with the best up-to-date legal knowledge and advice.