Child Custody and Child Access

Did you know that a parent’s success in obtaining custody of his/her children is significantly affected by whether that parent has the children in his or her care at the date of separation? Before you take up residence outside of the family home, with or without your children, be sure to consult with your child custody lawyer as to the effect of your actions on a future claim for care and control of your children.

Do you believe that joint custody requires roughly equal time-sharing of children between their parents? Many people hold this mistaken belief. It is essential that you have an accurate understanding of the concept of joint custody (or shared parenting) before you commit to such an arrangement, whether on a formal or informal basis.

Are you aware that an informal visiting arrangement, worked out between parents, can significantly affect a subsequent court decision regarding care of and visitation to their children? Decisions made without legal advice can impair your success in satisfactorily resolving issues affecting your children.

• Do mothers fare better than fathers in custody battles?
• Does the amount of time spent by your children in the care of each parent affect the amount of child support paid/received?
• Can a custodial parent deny court ordered access where he/she considers such a denial to be in the best interest of the children?

You should address the foregoing questions and many more with your family law lawyer prior to making arrangements, formal or informal, for the care of your children.

Bair Law Firm approaches child custody and access issues from a child-centered perspective. The goal of our team is to obtain the custody and access arrangement that best meets the needs of your children.