St Louis Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody can be an emotionally charged legal matter. When parents get divorced or otherwise live apart, their child custody arrangement should promote the well-being of their children. St. Louis family courts must do what is in the best interests of a child when determining an appropriate custody arrangement.

If you are currently facing a custody issue, do not hesitate to contact a family law advisor from our firm for information about your rights and options going forward. Given what is at stake in these situations, you are strongly encouraged to put your case into the hands of an experienced St. Louis child custody lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf and represent your interests in court, if necessary.

Determining the Best Interests of a Child

Family law judges in St. Louis operate under the presumption outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes §452.375.4 that a child is best served by having regular contact with both parents. However, a judge is obligated to make a custody determination that reflects the bests interests of the child, regardless of what either parent wants. Judges must consider many factors to determine what type of custody arrangement is in a child’s best interests.

For example, if a court finds that one of the parents poses a risk to the child’s safety, it may limit that parent’s visitation rights or order supervised parenting time. The child’s safety is always a paramount concern for a family court.

Furthermore, if the parties are able to communicate with each other and work out their differences without having to resort to legal action, a judge will likely approve a custody plan in which both parents play a meaningful role in the child’s life. Parents who wish to avoid litigation could benefit from the professional help and guidance of a skilled advisor from our firm.

Types of Custody

There are several different types of custody arrangements that are recognized under state law. A parent who understands their options can make better decisions about their relationship with their child. Child custody in St. Louis is divided into physical and legal custody.

Physical custody refers to time the child spends under the care and supervision of a parent, while legal custody is a parent’s authority to make major decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, such as medical issues and where they will attend school. An experienced legal advocate from our firm could offer valuable insight about which child-sharing arrangement would most benefit a particular family.

Contact a St. Louis Child Custody Attorney Today

Attempting to resolve a child custody dispute is challenging without qualified guidance from a professional ally. You should let a St. Louis child custody lawyer explain your legal options and work aggressively to achieve a favorable outcome on your behalf. Contact our team today to see how we can provide the help you need during this difficult time.