Regardless of whether parents decide to divorce or end their relationships, they must settle how to care for their children. This may be done through mediation and settlement agreements, or by going to court for a custody determination. In either case, an attorney can help navigate the process and ensure that all the necessary steps are taken. The following are the top Child Custody Lawyers in St. Louis.
A lawyer with experience in a wide range of family law cases can be extremely helpful when deciding on custody arrangements. This includes cases that involve divorce, paternity actions, child support issues, and domestic violence. Hais, Hais & Goldberger PC has a team of attorneys with over 100 years of combined experience in helping clients with these matters. The firm has offices in Saint Louis and other cities throughout Missouri. They file paternity actions to determine parenthood and help with cases related to divorce, property division, and enforcement of child support as well.
When deciding on child custody, the courts are looking at what is in the best interests of the child. This means that it is important to have a lawyer who can help you build a parenting plan that outlines the time each parent will spend with the child and how legal decisions will be made. In addition, the lawyer should be able to help you understand all of the different terms that are used in these cases.
One of the most difficult parts of a divorce is working out how to care for your children. A child custody case can be very emotional and stressful for everyone involved. A good child custody lawyer can help you find a solution that will be in the best interests of your child and allow you to maintain your relationship with them.
In most cases, a judge will award joint physical and legal custody to both parents. This is preferable as it will allow both parents to have an active role in the life of the child. Judges will usually only grant sole custody if there is evidence of domestic violence, a history of substance abuse, or other serious circumstances that would make one parent unfit to care for the child.
For couples who can agree on custody and visitation arrangements, a court will generally approve the arrangement. In this case, the lawyers for each party will draw up a parenting plan to submit to the court and it will likely be granted unless it is found that it does not serve the child’s best interests.
For families that cannot agree on a custody and visitation plan, the courts will make a decision based on the evidence presented. A judge will consider factors such as the health and welfare of both parties, the ability of each parent to provide a stable home environment, living arrangements, new romantic partners, any other family members that may have an interest in the child, the wishes of the child if they are old enough to express them, and other issues as appropriate.