Child Custody & Visitation Attorneys
Determining child custody and visitation, or parenting time as most judges refer to it, is often a very emotionally raw process to endure. For most parents, nothing is more important than the relationship they have with their children. Allowing someone to come in and dictate how much time you can spend with your child and when you get to do it is a very unsettling feeling.
You can take comfort in knowing that the courts work very hard to serve the best interests of the children who come before them. The court will look at the roles each parent has played in his or her child’s life and work to maintain those roles to maintain stability for the child.
There are two components to child custody:
- Legal custody — Having legal custody means that a parent is able to make major life decisions regarding how his or her child is raised on issues such as religion, education and health care.
- Physical custody/Parenting Time — Physical custody, now generally termed “parenting time” refers to who the child lives with. In most situations the child’s time is split between the parents with the child residing most of the time with one of the parents. The amount of time a parent spends with his or her child may impact child support determinations.
The Special Needs Of A Child Or The Special Challenges Of A Parent
Determining a parenting schedule can be challenging in the best of circumstances with healthy children, with two healthy parents. If a child has special needs or suffers from ADD or ADHD or anxiety or depression or other mental health issues or disabilities, more work may be required to come up with a parenting plan that is in the best interests of that child, given his or her special needs.
Additionally, parents can have their own special challenges such as alcohol or drug addiction issues or their own mental health or disability issues. This can also impact a parenting plan.
It is helpful to work with an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about mental health issues, disability issues and addiction issues who can assist in looking at alternative approaches to dealing with these issues.
Could You Benefit From Working With A Parenting Coordinator Or Family Therapist?
In contentious child custody situations or in situations where a child or a parent has special needs or challenges, parents can choose to work with a licensed social worker or psychologist who can help them put together a custody agreement that works for the child and the parents.
Helping You Create The Tomorrow You Deserve
At Novick & Meyers, we serve the needs of parents who are facing the issue of child custody either as part of a divorce or as a standalone proceeding. Our commitment to each client and his or her needs helps our clients protect their relationships with their children. We know there is no deeper bond than that between parent and child, and we work to ensure that nothing comes between our clients and their children. Attorney JoAnne Meyers has been helping people through difficult family law situations since 1985. Her extensive experience over thirty (30) years allows us to truly help parents when they are facing child custody and visitation determinations.
Child Custody Attorney In Chelmsford, Massachusetts
When something as important as child custody and visitation is being determined, make sure you have chosen an attorney who has the experience and skill necessary to help you. Turn to Novick & Meyers for the experienced counsel you need. Call to schedule a free case evaluation.
