Wellesley Child Custody Lawyer

Wellesley Child Custody & Visitation Attorney

Determining child custody could be one of the most challenging experiences of any parent’s life. If you are bracing for a custody case in Wellesley, it is vital that you have trustworthy legal counsel on your side to guide you through these proceedings and help you reach your goals. A Wellesley child custody lawyer is the ideal resource to consult if you are bracing for any type of custody case in the near future.

Compassionate Representation for Child Custody Cases in Wellesley, MA

The team at Farias Family Law, P.C., has successfully resolved many past cases on behalf of our clients in the Wellesley family court system, including emotionally charged child custody disputes. It’s natural for any parent to want to have as much time with their children as possible, and whether you are facing a custody case as a married or unmarried parent, it is vital to know the value of having trustworthy legal counsel on your side.

Our firm believes in client-focused legal counsel and develops a uniquely tailored strategy for every client we represent. We leverage technology and the full extent of our professional resources to help each client approach their child custody case in Wellesley with confidence. Our goal is to help achieve the custody terms you prefer or as close to that as possible, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and address your concerns as they arise throughout your case.

Understanding a Child Custody Order

Whether you are an unwed parent seeking a legally enforceable custody order with your co-parent or a married parent resolving child custody as an element of your divorce, it is vital to know what you can expect during the divorce process, what the process entails, and how a Wellesley child custody lawyer can help you. Farias Family Law, P.C. tailors our approach to each individual client’s unique needs and concerns.

The family court has a legal duty to preserve the best interests of any child the court’s ruling will affect. This means that a family court judge must approve your custody order and ensure that all elements of the order align with the child’s needs and interests. Most custody orders contain three important facets: legal custody terms, physical custody terms, and child support terms. Any custody order has the potential to be very complex, and your attorney can clarify your situation.

Legal custody is the ability to make important decisions on a child’s behalf. Physical custody refers to the child’s residence and where they spend their time. Child support is the financial support paid by both parents, but the parent with more parenting time inherently takes responsibility for their share of this by managing more of the child’s everyday needs.

Many child custody orders involve joint custody in which the parents share legal custody and physical custody. However, physical custody may be unevenly distributed based on each parent’s work schedule and overall availability to handle the care and supervision of their children. A parent with less parenting time is likely to pay child support to the other parent.

How Is Custody Determined in Wellesley?

Many parents enter child custody determination holding on to common misconceptions about how the process works and what the court will take into consideration when deciding custody rights. The main factor for consideration in every child custody case is the child’s best interests. Parents may draw up proposals for parenting plans, but ultimately, a family court judge must approve a custody order to ensure it aligns with the child’s needs and interests.

During a child custody case, both parents will have the opportunity to submit evidence and supporting documentation to make their respective cases for custody. Some of the factors a judge will evaluate in a custody determination include:

• Each parent’s age, medical status, mental acuity, and overall fitness to handle parental responsibilities.
• The apparent motivations of each parent. Unfortunately, some parents attempt to weaponize custody determinations out of spite. A judge will look for sincerity and genuine concern for a child’s well-being when awarding custody rights.
• The living arrangements of each parent. If a parent intends to pursue physical custody of their child, they must demonstrate they can provide a safe and stable living environment for the child.
• The work schedule of each parent. A custodial parent must have a work schedule that aligns with their child’s school schedule and other unique needs. Parents must be able to demonstrate availability to handle their child’s day-to-day needs.
• The criminal records of both parents. A judge is less likely to grant custody rights to a parent who has a proven history of criminal convictions, especially if they have been convicted of drug offenses, domestic violence, or any type of violent felony, and especially if the activity occurred recently.
• The child’s unique needs, such as medical conditions, social development, behavioral issues, and proximity to extended family members. Custodial parents must be able to demonstrate the capability of addressing their child’s individual needs.

Ultimately, every custody case is different. Your Wellesley child custody lawyer can help you gather any supporting documentation and other evidence you may need to make a more compelling case before a judge, and the sooner you connect with an attorney, the more likely you are to reach a positive outcome in your case.

Find Your Child Custody Attorney in Wellesley Today

Regardless of whether you face a standalone child custody dispute or a larger divorce case, having trustworthy legal counsel on your side is a tremendous asset that benefits both you and your child. The team at Farias Family Law, P.C., can carefully review the details of your situation, listen to your hopes and expectations regarding custody, and determine the optimal path to securing the ideal outcome.

It’s important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of your case and to separate any negative feelings you may have about your co-parent from your responsibilities to your child. Our goal is to help you feel peace of mind for your impending proceedings, make more informed decisions, and ultimately reach an agreeable conclusion to your case. Contact Farias Family Law, P.C., today to schedule a assessment with our team and learn more about the legal services we provide.