Protecting Your Parental Rights
There are several types of child custody and it's important to understand from the start that unless your spouse or partner is demonstrably a threat to your child, then he or she will retain parental rights. Issues of custody revolve around who will have legal and physical custody of the child; who will make the big decisions and how the day-to-day decisions will be made for the child.
Sole Custody — Offers one parent complete physical and legal custody to make decisions for the child's welfare. The other parent will likely retain visitation rights.
Joint Custody — Parents share responsibility in making big decisions, such as school district, medical issues, etc. Most parents favor joint legal custody with primary physical custody going to one parent or the other to create a stable environment where both parents participate in important issues but one parent is primarily responsible for making the day-to-day decisions.
Shared Custody — Parents split their duties roughly 50-50, and have equal input in major decisions concerning the child's welfare. While many people strive for this arrangement, it is important that parents can communicate frequently and put the children's interests above their own.
Finding the Right Custody Arrangements
As part of the divorce proceedings, we strive to meet your goals while creating reasonable expectations on your part. We believe we can help you come to a custody arrangement that meets your needs and is in your child's best interest.
While the court will certainly be concerned if one parent has a history of abuse, substance abuse or a serious criminal record, it's important to know that the parent who demonstrates a willingness and effort to work with the other parent toward a reasonable agreement will be seen in a favorable light.
Relocation and Modification
After the initial custody/visitation orders, the Court has the authority and the mandate to modify those orders based upon the overriding best interests of the child(ren). Situations change and what was best for your child(ren) at one time may not be best for your child(ren) now. We will work for you to obtain a modification that is in your child(ren)'s best interest or defend against frivolous modification claims made by the other parent.
Relocation issues are one of the most difficult and sensitive matters we handle at The Pickel Law Firm. Whether you are a custodial parent who needs to relocate your residence with the children due to job change, marriage, affordability or otherwise, or whether you are a non-custodial parent who is trying to defend a retaliatory/frivolous relocation, we can help.
Experience Matters
Our 40 years of combined litigation experience among our lawyers can be put to work for your family law, divorce or child custody case, no matter how complex. We are prepared to represent you, inform you of your rights, meet your goals and represent your interests.
Call us today at 203-883-9699 or contact us online to find out how our experience, reputation and tenacity can be put to work for you.
