Massachusetts Child Custody Attorney
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 Miguel Law Offices, in Somerset, Massachusetts, child custody lawyer 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 508-296-0107 Toll Free: 866-360-5082 for a confidential consultation about your child custody or visitation (also known as parenting time) matter.
Massachusetts Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Plans)
Child custody or parenting plans refers to legal 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 custody (sometimes known as “shared custody”) or sole custody (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.
Guidance From an Experienced Lawyer in Bristol County — Visitation Rights
Another important aspect of the custody arrangement is arranging visitation time with the noncustodial 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 noncustodial parent to have what is known as visitation or parenting time. Our skilled Somerset child custody lawyer will assist you in creating a parenting plan (or visitation schedule) that works for you and serves the best interests of your children.
Modification of Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody or parenting plans often do not suit the needs of the family as children grow older and the family situations change. Child custody and visitation orders may be modified when a significant change in circumstances, such as when a parent wishes to relocate with the child out-of-state or a change in the work schedule of the parents conflicts with the existing arrangement. Learn more about child custody modifications and other post-divorce modifications.
Guardian ad Litem — GAL • Guardianships for Minors • Third Party
In highly contested child custody disputes, the judge may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate on behalf of the court. Miguel Law Offices has extensive experience handling contested child custody cases involving guardian ad litems. Additionally, attorney Jennifer Smith Miguel has experience serving as a court-appointed guardian ad litem. This experience gives our firm comprehensive understanding of the preparation that is necessary in these custody cases.
The family law attorney at Miguel Law Office in Somerset offers assistance to clients in additional areas of child custody, including guardianships for minors. In some cases, third parties and/or nonparents may seek custody of a minor if the parents are unable to do so. Call or e-mail our firm today for assistance with your child custody matter.
Contact Our Bristol County, Massachusetts, Child Custody Lawyer
To discuss your child custody, visitation or related paternity matter with an experienced family law attorney, please schedule your confidential consultation today. Call us at 508-296-0107 Toll Free: 866-360-5082 or contact our Somerset law firm online. We know that your children are important to you. Let us help you fight to protect their interests.
