Child custody is often one of the most contentious parts of any divorce. It is the time when both parties battle over who will have legal and physical custody of the children. It’s vital for you to recognize how these cases are handled and what the judge looks for in custody.
When you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can’t come to an agreement regarding custody and parenting time, you’ll go through the court process to get an order. Going through this with the help of a child custody attorney in Hartselle, AL, can make this a difficult process. However, you can reach a favorable outcome with the right legal counsel.
Ways to Determine Child Custody
When the courts are to make a decision regarding child custody, they consider the current living situation of both parents, their income, and the child’s current school and social life. If a move with one parent will jeopardize a stable environment for the child, the court will most often decide to grant custody to the parent who can maintain the lifestyle the child currently enjoys.
At the end of the day, the courts want to ensure the best interests of the child are the primary reason for whatever decision they make. If this means one party maintains both legal and physical custody while the other is granted parenting time, that’s the decision the court will make. If the child will benefit from joint custody, that will be the decision.
In many cases, the court will also look into each parent’s history. If there are any signs of abuse, criminal activity, or any other actions that can jeopardize the child’s well-being, the court will make the decision that best protects the child.
Our child custody attorney in Hartselle, AL, can help you understand how to best protect your family. We’ll guide you through the complexities with a focus on you and your child.
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