The term "custody" is often confused with parenting time and visitation schedules. "Custody" is a legal term that refers to the ability of a parent or parents to make decisions regarding their child's upbringing, including medical, educational, and religious decisions.

CHILD CUSTODY

Legal custody can be joint custody or sole custody. While there is a presumption of joint custody, the Courts can grant sole custody to one parent based on the circumstances. The ultimate determination of custody is made in accordance with the child's best interest.

PARENTING TIME & CHILD SUPPORT

When the parents of a child do not reside together, the parties need to set a parenting time schedule to ensure that both parents will be able to spend time with the child. In many cases, one parent may be obligated to pay child support to the other parent. 

NON-PARENTAL CUSTODY

There are a wide variety of circumstances that can occur that may result in a non-parent stepping into a parental role. The attorneys in our office are experienced in handling cases involving de facto custodianship, grandparents' rights, termination of parental rights, step-parent adoption, and Child Protective Services cases.