Child Custody Lawyers

Trusted Child Custody Attorney

When parents cannot agree on who is going to have physical custody of the children, the court may decide by looking at what they believe is in the best interest of each child involved. During the process, you need a dedicated, compassionate, and knowledgeable Southern Minnesota child custody attorney to help you understand what is happening and how to make it move as smoothly as possible.

We know that child custody matters are emotional, which is why Birkholz Law, LLC uses comprehensive diplomatic skills and an ability to negotiate in your case. This is so it is easier to reach balanced decisions and satisfactory outcomes.

Child Custody Disagreements

Of course both parents want to have their children near to them, but only one is going to be able to have physical custody while the other has legal custody (can make specific decisions for the child regarding how they are raised). When this disagreement exists, it is important to have a strong advocate working with and for you so that your best interests and the best interests of your children are protected. Having an experienced attorney working with you also makes sure that your children do not feel as if they are in the middle of the dispute.

Best Interest Of The Child Standard

The state uses what is called the “best interest of the child” standard. Every party involved keeps in mind the best interest of the child. It may be found that joint legal custody works well, joint physical custody, or it may be found that it is best for one parent to have both legal and physical custody. It is also possible for a flexible visitation schedule to be established that serves the needs of the children, especially if the parents cooperate. This visitation schedule can be fixed so that there is consistency in the lives of the children. Your Mankato child custody lawyer can help you evaluate all of these options and create a legal strategy that works for your family as a whole. Some of the items considered in the standard are:

• Who can ensure continuity in the child’s life
• The wishes of each parent
• The wishes of each child
• Who can facilitate a stable environment for the child
• Who will ensure the child is raised according to their culture and beliefs

There is a total of 13 points that the court appointed evaluator looks at.

Contact A Southern Minnesota Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody issues can be very difficult. It is difficult for the parents and the children, which is why it is important that the child custody decision that is reached is one that is in the best interest of the child, while also taking the wishes of the parents and the child into account. Nonetheless, a child custody arrangement is going to be created and it will be one that is mandated by the court. To learn more about what can be done for you when battling or modifying child custody, contact Birkholz Law, LLC at the Mankato office at 507-387-2100, the St. James office at 507-375-3374, and the Westbrook office at 507-274-6501 for a free consultation.