Child custody is commonly an issue that goes along with the divorce process. Custody arrangements may change over the years for various reasons. Whether you have issues during a divorce related to child custody or something has changed after a divorce that affects child custody, it is important to get legal representation. A child custody attorney in Cass County can offer help to resolve your custody problems. The following information will cover some instances that affect child custody.
The Child’s Choice
As long as the minor child is mature enough to make a decision about where they prefer to live and both parents can provide for the child, sometimes the child is allowed to choose where he or she wants to live. This can happen as a child gets older and is usually handled through the parents, but it needs to also be recorded legally since the minor child is a ward of the court. A lawyer can help with the paperwork and legally resolve a custody change for you.
Changes in Circumstances
Many factors can signify a change in circumstances in the custodial or non-custodial parent’s home. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by the parent or a stepparent, problems with school, step sibling problems, or mental or physical conditions can affect child custody. Abuse is hard to prove unless you have undeniable proof, but is worth it if your child is being harmed. A lawyer can help you with changes of circumstances to protect your children.
Other things that will affect where a child lives includes parental incarceration for illegal activities, the death of the custodial parent, and substance abuse. Child custody changes may not always be permanent unless the circumstances dictate that solution. The court system will evaluate and determine how to handle child custody when the parents cannot come to an agreement during a divorce or after circumstances change. A child custody attorney in Cass County will go over your rights, the rights of the child or children, and the rights of the other parent so you will not be surprised by any element of the situation. Visit Kelly, Symonds & Reed, LLC for information about free consultations and hours of operation.
