Child custody disputes are difficult and stressful. They are complicated both legally and emotionally. It is extremely difficult for mothers and fathers to imagine not spending every moment they can with their children. If you are going through a divorce and have children, or you were never married to your child's mother but want to establish custody and a parenting plan, the experienced child custody lawyers at Prousalis & Papantonakis, P.C., can help.
Contact our Reading child custody attorneys or call 339-203-4797 to schedule a free 60-minute consultation to discuss your custody matter.
Types of Custody in Massachusetts
Two different types of custody:
- Legal custody: Legal custody encompasses all of the major decisions regarding the child, including medical, health and religion. The law presumes that the parties will share this responsibility; however, if the parties cannot communicate, or shared legal custody is not in the child's best interests, the courts may award it solely to one party.
- Physical custody: Physical custody is the daily care and control of the child and includes feeding and extracurricular activities. This may be awarded jointly to the parents if they are able to communicate and such an arrangement is in the best interests of the child.
Woburn Parenting Plan Attorneys
In determining custody and a parenting plan, also known as a visitation schedule, courts look at what is in the child's best interests. There are a number of best interest factors that judge's consider when determining an arrangement that is in the child's best interests, including:
- The child's preference — if the child is at an age to express a preference
- The financial stability of the parents
- The family network
- Whether DCF has visited the property
- Whether there any restraining orders
When possible, we encourage our clients to agree on a custody agreement. However, when the other side is being unreasonable and won't agree to an arrangement that is in the child's best interests, we will fight for your rights in court.
Contact Our Experienced Divorce Attorneys Today
Contact our office online or call 339-203-4797 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your custody dispute. We serve Burlington, Woburn, Reading and communities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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