The joys and responsibilities of parenting do not stop when a couple no longer lives together. Still, making arrangements to co-parent can be challenging when both parents want different resolutions. Our lawyers can help you navigate such emotionally charged legal matters and reach an acceptable child custody agreement.
If you are petitioning for sole or joint custody, our family law team at The Aberdeen Law Firm will work with you to prove your fitness as a parent, identify an amicable division of parenting time, and define child support responsibilities. Our primary goal is to understand your wishes and those of your child and explain how they are governed according to the parameters of the law.
What It Means to Work With Our Child Custody Lawyers
If our child custody lawyers represent you, you get the power of our entire law firm behind your fight to find the best resolution for your child. We offer assistance in trying times and are dedicated to protecting families’ and individuals’ rights. We will:
- Examine your family dynamics
- Negotiate favorable and acceptable custody and visitation arrangements
- Assist with modifying existing child custody agreements when warranted
- Explain relevant laws and how they apply to your current situation
Our family law team is committed to compassionate, solution-oriented legal support. Part of that includes providing you with a free consultation and offering flexible payment plans.
Personalized Service and Support When You Need It Most
No two families are alike, and the dissolution of your family unit is a unique situation, so we will not treat you like a case file or offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, we will take time to get to know you and understand the upcoming changes to your family and your ideal outcome.
Whether you are pursuing full or joint custody or a fair visitation schedule, we can help you navigate the recent or upcoming changes to your family as seamlessly as possible.
How the Parent’s Status Affects Child Custody Matters
At The Aberdeen Law Firm, we understand the importance of resolving your family situation as amicably as possible. In doing so, we can address challenging issues that can arise in child custody matters, including:
- Fathers’ rights and ensuring they are treated fairly and without gender bias
- Establishing the emotional and financial fitness of each parent, especially if it is called into question by one parent
Our child custody lawyers also tackle potentially contentious issues that you feel may compromise your child’s safety or your own, including domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or financial insufficiency.
You are never alone in your pursuit of the best possible living arrangements for your son or daughter. When you need us most, our family law attorneys are on your side.
Resolving Child Custody During a Legal Separation
Legal separation is a precursor to divorce. When you are in this phase and awaiting the process and formality of divorce, we can help make the transition easier. A well-thought-out parenting plan can make this initial separation palatable for all involved family members.
Resolving Child Custody During Divorce
A child custody agreement will be part of your divorce process and final decree. Whenever possible, we encourage you to work in tandem with the other parent. If you cannot work out a mutually acceptable agreement, we will represent you in arbitration or mediation. Here, our goal is to negotiate a parenting plan without outside intervention.
You can also count on us to help you avoid having an unfairly large geographic distance separating you and your child. When couples divorce, one parent usually leaves the family home. If your child’s other parent chooses to relocate far away from the family home, we can help you retain custody of your child or request that they stay in closer proximity to you.
Resolving Child Custody for Unmarried Parents
Parents who never married may have to take an extra step in a custody dispute to establish paternity. Our lawyers can partake in arranging a DNA test, if requested, or legally acknowledge the child as yours.
Once established, we will help you exercise your rights and enjoy equitable parenting time that allows you to continue building a relationship with your child.
When parents cannot reach a mutually acceptable agreement, the family court will intervene and lean in the direction of the best interests of the child. We can help you prove your fitness as a parent and your willingness to create a safe and happy home.
Resolving Child Custody for Same-Sex Couples
LGBTQ parents face the same responsibilities as other parents, but they may have a more complex legal battle ahead. Our child custody attorney can serve in cases where:
- Only one parent is the biological parent.
- The child or children were mutually adopted.
We help same-sex couples establish paternity, maternity, and parental rights. If you are deemed a de facto parent, we will fight for your right to remain a part of your child’s life.
After documenting your parental rights, we can handle your case in much of the same way as all other child custody cases, and our goals for you are the same—to achieve the best result for your child with as little disruption as possible for both you and them.
Contact Our Child Custody Team Today
When parents separate due to divorce or their non-marital relationship ends, making a child custody agreement can be challenging and emotionally charged. At The Aberdeen Law Firm, our child custody lawyers will listen to your preferences, assess the situation objectively, and help you reach a custody arrangement that represents the best interests of your son or daughter.
Contact one of our family law team members today to learn more about our commitment to your case.