When parents with children decide to separate, the responsibility for child care must be shared by both parents. In legal matters, you will need a child custody lawyer in misunderstanding arises.
Two important aspects that need to be decided is who will get child custody and what visitation rights will be given to the other parent.
There are no set rules on child custody, but there are factors that courts consider in making decisions involving minor children.
Utah family courts determine who gets child custody based on “The Best Interests of the Child.”
Here are some of the factors a judge may look at:
- Bonding between individual parent and the child
- Parent with the bigger chance to act in the best interest of the child which involves allowing the non-custodial parent frequent visits
- If a parent has deliberately exposed a child to pornography or other sexual related materials
- Past behavior and moral conduct of both parties
- Emotional, physical and psychological needs of the child
- Whether both parents joined in raising the child before the separation
- The geographic location of the parents’ homes
- What the child prefers
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse
- Kidnapping
- If a parent can cooperate and make significant decisions
A child’s preference to live with a parent can only be considered by the court when the child is at least 14 years old. If a child shows maturity in reasoning and shows independent preferences, it can become a basis by the courts on who the child will live with.
When parents can’t agree to a parenting schedule, the court can establish a plan that is based on the best interest of the child.
Courts are not allowed to be biased toward one parent based on gender.
If you want to come up with a parenting plan in a Utah court, you should hire a professional child custody lawyer to help you out with your options.
Types of Child Custody
There are two types of child custody, physical and legal. Physical custody means your child sleeps with you at night.
Legal custody gives you the power to make decisions concerning a child’s welfare, including education, health, religion, and other aspects.
Getting Child Custody Help
The benefit of hiring a child custody lawyer if you are involved in a child custody case is invaluable, especially if the other parent has a lawyer to represent him/her.
Child custody and visitation is one area of law practice that can impact people’s lives.
Children are considered the most precious people in the world for parents, and fighting for your rights to be a part of their lives after a divorce should be done with professional help.
It would be best if you resolved where the children will live and who decides on important matters like education, health, and other issues that may affect their future.
Some parents can negotiate these matters between themselves and come up with a written parenting agreement.
In cases where both parties can’t agree or won’t abide by a previously agreed upon parenting schedule, a judge may step in and make a decision based on the child’s best interest.
Child custody disputes can be one of the most stressful experiences for any parent and hiring a child custody lawyer can lighten the burden by:
- Clarifying what types of custody arrangements can be agreed upon
- Negotiate for a child custody agreement
- Help in resolving matters during mediation
- Give you legal representation in a Utah family court
- Ask for a modification of a child custody order or defend against a proposed change
- Take legal action to protect you from interference with your right to child custody
- Help solve issues when a spouse is relocating to another state
- Assist grandparents to seek custody in special cases
Parents can agree on visitation rights, but in some cases, negative feelings can get in the way, so you need a child custody lawyer to assist you on the following:
- Give advice on visitation rights
- Negotiate a visitation schedule on your behalf
- Give you legal representation in a Utah court
- Assist in mediation meetings
- Protect unmarried fathers’ rights concerning visitation
- Help grandparents seek visitation in special cases
Experience with Child Custody Cases in Utah
Still undecided on hiring a child custody lawyer to handle your case?
At Godfrey Law, our team of Child Custody lawyers has decades of experience in handling child custody and visitation cases.
We are here to assist you during this most challenging period in your married life.
Being your legal advisor and advocate, we make our clients feel comfortable during the whole process.
Trying to figure out child custody and visitation on your own can be a daunting task. It can be draining both physically and emotionally.
Our job is to fight for your best interests and defend your rights.
If your ex has a lawyer, you should not go into court without a lawyer as well. Your case may become complicated as the process drags on, and having a lawyer can help you navigate through the tricky situations like your ex-wife or husband changing their mind about sharing custody.
If your ex lives in a different state or country, international child custody laws may apply. Interstate or international child custody cases are more complicated for you to face on your own.
Our team has experience in handling such cases, so why not set up a meeting as soon as possible.
Godfrey Law Child Custody Lawyers are Ready to Help
- Free Consultation
- Best rates in Utah
- Trusted
- Reliable
- Accurate Advice
- Full-Assistance
- Free Evaluation
- Over three decades of experience
- Strict with Confidentiality
We understand that finances can be a reason why you are hesitant to hire a lawyer. Before you decide to get free legal aid, meet with us first so we can discuss payment options.
We have an advanced technology-driven process management system in place that leads to the best results at lower costs.
Let’s talk! Allow us to help you get through the whole child custody and visitation process.
Give us a call or send us a message on our website.
