Norwell, MA Child Custody Lawyer

Norwell, MA Child Custody Attorney

When it comes to divorce disputes that also include child custody arrangements, putting aside emotions can be incredibly difficult. As a parent, your child means everything to you, and you want to do everything you can to ensure their safety and protection throughout–and following–the divorce process. A Norwell child custody lawyer can keep the interests of your child in mind while also fighting aggressively for your rights as a parent.

At Farias Family Law, P.C., we understand how stressful and challenging these disputes can be and want to do everything we can to mitigate the uncertainty you might be feeling. Our attorneys work hard to explore options that allow you to keep your relationship with your children intact while also cooperating with the courts on the child’s best interests.

Basics of Child Custody in Norwell, Massachusetts

When a married couple who share minor children split, one of the most important determinations of their divorce is how child custody will be handled. In the state of Massachusetts, there are two main types of custody:

• Legal Custody: Legal custody determines which parent, or if both parents, has the legal right to make important decisions regarding their child. These decisions typically involve medical care, education, and extracurriculars.
• Physical Custody: This type of custody specifies where the child will reside. In some cases, physical custody might be awarded to only one parent over the other. In other cases, physical custody might be shared. Co-parents with joint physical custody typically will be required to have a plan that determines which parent has the child and when.

What to Look for When Choosing a Child Custody Lawyer

Choosing the right family law attorney to handle your child custody case in Norwell, MA is not always an easy task. You deserve someone who not only has your back but can support you with their wealth of experience, knowledge, and communication skills. With over 100 years of combined experience, the team at Farias Family Law, P.C. is confident we can be an asset to your case and fight unceasingly to protect your rights and interests.

Our divorce attorneys in Norwell have the ability to thoroughly review your case and determine the right course of action for you to take to pursue a successful outcome in your child custody case. We know you have your child’s best interests at heart, and we will do whatever we can to ensure those interests are upheld in court. At Farias Family Law, P.C., we are prepared to protect your parental rights and work to secure your access to your child.

How Child Custody Is Determined By Massachusetts Courts

In some child custody cases, parents are able to agree on a custody arrangement that the judge will approve. Unfortunately, there are some cases where divorced or separated spouses cannot agree, and the courts will have to make a determination on child custody based on what they deem to be the best interests of the child.

Massachusetts judges are less inclined these days to grant custody purely on the gender of the parent. Rather, they take several factors into account when making their determination. These factors can include the following:

• The age of the minor children involved
• The relationship between each parent and their children
• Whether there’s a history of abuse or domestic violence between a parent and their children
• The ability of each parent to provide physical, emotional, and financial stability for the children
• Where each parent lives now that they are no longer married or are separated
• The wishes of the child.

FAQs

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Massachusetts?

In the state of Massachusetts, it can be difficult to assign an exact estimate of how much it might cost to retain the services of a child custody lawyer. This is because final costs are determined based on a number of factors. These factors can include the specific nuances and complexities of the case, the experience of your attorney, and their location.

What Is a Good Way to Win a Child Custody Case in Massachusetts?

While winning a child custody case is not always a for-sure thing in Massachusetts, you may be able to gather testimonies to support your petition. You can call witnesses in a child custody trial, should it come to that, who can vouch for your side of the story. These witnesses might include your child’s pediatrician, grandparents, babysitters, therapists, daycare providers, school principals, or other relatives.

What Is the Typical Timeline for Child Custody Cases in Massachusetts?

It can be difficult to offer an exact timeline you can expect for your child custody case in the state of Massachusetts. However, the case will begin when a petition is filed with the courts. Following this, the other party will be served, then they file a reply, and a hearing date is set. Typically, uncontested child custody cases can be resolved quicker than their contested counterparts.

How Can One Parent Prove the Other Parent Unfit to Be Granted Child Custody in MA?

In the state of Massachusetts, there are several factors a judge can take into account when determining one parent’s ability to retain custody and if they are unfit to care for their children. These factors can include any history of alcohol or substance abuse, any past convictions, especially on grounds of abuse or domestic violence, and the parent’s ability to provide for their child.

Contact a Trustworthy and Experienced Child Custody Lawyer Today

Whether you and your children are experiencing an uncontested child custody case or are facing an emotionally wrought contested situation, you deserve experienced counsel and representation. It is vital to the success of your case to hire someone with the necessary skills to support you and understand the complexities of these cases. The lawyers at Farias Family Law, P.C. are experienced child and family advocates and are ready to fight for you.

Contact our offices today, and let us assess your case. We can determine the right course of action in your child custody case and are prepared to offer you the necessary legal guidance while navigating your situation. We understand these can be uncertain times and want to do whatever we can to offer you peace of mind and confidence.