Bristol County Child Custody Lawyer
Divorce • Child Custody • Visitation • Shared Parenting Plan • Sole Custody
Child custody issues can often lead to stressful, emotional and lengthy disputes. Unfortunately, a lengthy and highly-contested dispute over the children is often harmful to them.
At the Miguel Law Offices, family law attorney Jennifer Smith Miguel understands that you want what is best for your children. Because she understands your perspective, she takes the time to really listen to your goals and help you develop a custody plan that is in their best interests.
Call 508.402.7095 for a confidential consultation about your child custody or visitation (also known as parenting time) matter.
Experienced Child Custody Attorney
The term “child custody” or “parenting plan” actually refers to two distinct aspects that work together - legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody deals with the right to make medical, educational, financial and religious decisions for the child. Physical custody refers to where the child will physically reside.
Each of these types of child custody can be either joint (sometimes known as “shared”) custody or sole (sometimes called “primary”) custody. Joint legal custody requires civil communication between the parties. If the parties cannot communicate in a civil manner or there is a restraining order prohibiting communication between the parties, then sole legal and physical custody is likely to be granted to one parent.
Another important aspect of the custody arrangement is arranging visitation time with the non-custodial parent. The courts realize that, whenever possible, it is important for both parents to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child. If one parent has sole physical custody of the child, then it may be possible for the non-custodial parent to have what is known as visitation or parenting time. Our skilled family law attorney will assist you in creating a parenting plan (or visitation schedule) that works for you.
Guardian ad Litem - GAL
In highly contested child custody disputes, the judge may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate on behalf of the court. The Miguel Law Offices has extensive experience handling contested child custody cases involving guardians ad litem.
To discuss your child custody or visitation matter with an experienced family law attorney, please schedule your confidential consultation today. Call us at 508.402.7095 or contact us online. We know that your children are important to you, so let us help you fight to protect their interests.
