Spanish Fort Child Custody Attorneys

Child custody is a stressful and emotional topic for many parents, whether they’re going through a divorce or trying to co-parent from the start of their child’s life. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding custody and how the courts handle it, which is why it’s important to consult a child custody attorney as soon as disputes arise. This puts you in a better position to figure out what’s best for your child and fight for your rights as a parent.

Ready to compare your custody option and determine what fits your child’s needs? The team at Coumanis & York is here to help. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 251-990-3083.

How Coumanis & York Can Help

You might wonder if it’s possible to negotiate custody agreements without the help of an attorney, and if your co-parent is reasonable, you might be able to make some progress on a parenting plan. However, trying to craft your own custody plan can backfire in many ways.

First, it requires the full agreement of both parents. This is challenging, particularly if the parents are involved in a contentious divorce. Second, both parents can hold it over the other’s head whenever issues come up. It’s common for a parenting disagreement to end with a threat to take someone to court, even if the parents had previously worked well together. When both sides have their own attorney, they can feel confident that they have someone fighting for their rights and representing their best interests.

Our team knows that child custody is a hot-button issue for many parents. When you decide to divorce, the thought of losing your child part or all of the time is never far behind. Being in such an emotionally fraught state can make it hard to think clearly or negotiate for what is best for your little one. Your attorney is an objective advocate who can handle the logistics of the situation.

We’re also there to help whenever you need changes in your custody agreement. Children change as they grow, and so do their needs. A 50/50 schedule that suits their needs early in life might not be as beneficial when they are older and want to be close to their friends and extracurricular activities. If one parent moves or switches jobs, you’ll want to change your custody agreement quickly and easily. Our team is here for you before, during, and after your initial custody order.

Child Custody Arrangements

There are several important terms you should know as you begin pursuing child custody in Alabama. You and your ex-partner will either have sole or shared custody. Sole custody occurs when only one parent has the right to make decisions on the behalf of the child and provide their primary care. Shared custody gives both parties meaningful parenting time. It may or may not be a 50/50 split, depending on the parents’ other obligations and the child’s preferences.

You should also know the differences between physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and which parent they spend their time with. Legal custody refers to the parent’s rights to make healthcare, education, and religious decisions. Even if a parent does not have physical custody, they may still retain their legal custody rights. The same is true in reverse.

In general, the courts prefer a joint custody agreement that allows both parents to keep their rights and spend a significant amount of time with their children. Some situations call for sole custody. Sole legal custody may be the right choice if one parent has consistently shown that they do not make safe or appropriate decisions on their child’s behalf.

For example, they may fail to take them to the doctor when they should, choose not to follow a doctor’s instructions, or fail to support them in their education. Sole physical custody is often a safe choice when there is a history of domestic abuse or substance use. It may also be the best choice when one parent lives out of state.

Factors in Child Custody Cases

If you and your ex-partner are unable to come to a custody agreement outside of court, your case will go to court and the judge will decide how the child’s time is spent. This is an incredibly important decision and it’s one that judges do not take lightly. To that end, they consider a wide range of factors when deciding on custody agreements. Relevant factors include:

• The home environment provided by each parent
• Each child’s physical, educational, emotional, and mental needs
• The children’s ages and enders
• Each party’s ability to provide a consistent environment for their children
• The preexisting relationship between the children and parents
• The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship with the other parent
• The possible effects on the child if caretaking arrangements were to change
• Each parent’s work schedule and other outside obligations
• Input from teachers, social workers, therapists, and other professionals
• The child’s preference

Putting Your Child First

It all comes down to this: Alabama courts put the child’s best interests first. While it’s common for both parents to want sole custody, this is rarely the best choice for the child. The court believes that a child does best when they spend meaningful time with both parents. Throughout this process, take the time to ensure that you are putting your child’s needs ahead of your own. Just a quick reminder can help you avoid unnecessary fights and do what is best for your child.

Your attorney can also be very helpful in this area. Their knowledge of the family court system can help you understand the potential outcomes of your custody case and choose a path that protects your parenting rights and supports your child.

Turn to Coumanis & York Today

Your children are your world. Let us help you protect your time with them. Fill out our online contact form or call us at 251-990-3083 to schedule a consultation with our team of Spanish Fork, AL child custody attorneys. We look forward to working with you.