Hiring the best Child Custody Attorneys St. Louis is essential in obtaining a custody arrangement that is in your child’s best interest. A good family law lawyer will work diligently to ensure that you have a healthy and stable relationship with your children whether they are living with you or someone else. There are many factors that the courts will consider when making a custody decision and our attorneys at Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law in Missouri can help you prepare a parenting plan that is in compliance with Missouri law.

Who gets physical custody

Family court judges usually prefer awarding joint physical custody in cases where parents can effectively co-parent together. However, a judge may award sole physical custody to one parent if he or she feels it is in your child’s best interest. The court will look at a number of different factors when deciding this issue, including the history of each parent’s involvement with your child and each parent’s home environment.

Who gets legal custody

The parent or parents who have legal custody will be given access to your child’s school records and medical files as well as the ability to make decisions on behalf of your child. Normally the court will try to award both parents joint legal custody so that they can each share in this responsibility and have input into their child’s life. However, in unique situations the court may award one parent sole legal custody.

A judge will often take into consideration the wishes of your child as to whom he or she would like to live with, but this does not always have much weight on the final decision. Your child’s age will also play a factor in this matter. Generally, a judge will award a parent with whom the child has had a longer and more significant relationship with primary custody.

Who gets shared decision-making authority

In most cases, spouses who can agree on a custody arrangement will draw up a parenting plan and submit it to the court for approval. An experienced Missouri family law attorney can help you create a plan that is in the best interests of your children and assist you in resolving any initial disagreements with the other party.

When to terminate parental rights

If you believe that your child is being harmed or has been abandoned or is in an unsafe situation, it may be necessary to have the state enforce your parental rights and remove a dangerous parent from your child’s life. Our lawyers can help you petition the court for this action based on evidence such as a history of drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, sexual misconduct or other relevant circumstances.

You do not have to face a complex and lengthy custody battle on your own, even if you are facing a high-stress case. There are many resources available to help you, such as a local law office that provides free legal aid for people who meet certain income requirements. You should do your research to find out which agencies are available in your area and what services they offer.