Custody cases have a special place in family law. They deal with the very personal matters of how a couple will share responsibility for their children, and when they will be allowed to spend time with them. This type of case can quickly become contentious, and parents are often at odds over their positions on what is in the best interests of their child or children. This makes a skilled Family Lawyer Custody crucial to help settle disputes in a way that is acceptable to both parties and meets the goals of the court.
Custody issues can be settled out of court, through mediation or by a trial. A family lawyer with the right experience can guide their clients through these processes, assisting with all legal paperwork and advocating for their client’s position. They can also help with other family law related matters, such as negotiating property settlements, determining spousal support and filing for divorce.
For those parents who are unable to come to terms with each other, the court will decide these issues for them. The court can award both physical and legal custody, or one parent may be granted sole custody. The courts will look at a variety of factors when making a decision including the parents history of parenting, their work schedules and whether they live close to each other.
In some cases, the court will grant joint legal custody and share decision-making responsibilities with both parents. This can be useful in allowing both parents to be involved in the child’s life, as well as allow them to continue seeing each other as part of their extended family. The court will determine the child’s primary residence and determine a visitation schedule based on the best interests of the child.
The court will also consider the age of the child when deciding custody and access arrangements. Younger children need more supervision, while older children can handle more independent activities. Regardless of the age of the child, parents must be able to demonstrate that they can meet their children’s needs and provide a safe environment.
While it is impossible to predict what the future holds, the skills a family lawyer has acquired in their career can help them navigate these sensitive cases with minimal conflict and come out on top. These lawyers can also be helpful in finding alternative ways to resolve these cases outside of the courtroom, such as through mediation or collaborative divorce.
For those interested in a career as a family lawyer, starting by researching law schools with relevant programs is a good idea. Many schools have websites with information about their programs, course offerings and experiential learning opportunities. Students can also contact admissions offices to speak with a faculty member or a current student to get a better understanding of what the field is like. This can be done via email or phone, depending on the preference of the individual. Lastly, there are a number of professional organizations that focus on family law, and these can also be a great resource for new attorneys.