Child custody issues are often among the most contentious family law proceedings. Many parents may find it helpful to familiarize themselves with Louisiana child custody laws when preparing for their case. It’s also strongly recommended that you consult a family law professional with experience in child custody matters so you can remain informed and effectively represented.
Understanding Child Custody Laws in Louisiana
In Louisiana, both parents can request that a child custody arrangement be determined. Custody is often an important component of divorce cases, but it can also come up when parents are unmarried and no longer together. Louisiana acknowledges two custody types: physical and legal.
Legal custody concerns the parental right to make critical choices about a child’s upbringing, including their religious affiliations, healthcare, and education. Physical custody is the right to have your child live with you and parental obligations to address their day-to-day needs. In most instances, the state encourages parents to share joint custody of their child, which entails both parties having legal custody but not equal physical custody.
However, the court must find a custody arrangement that is in the child’s best interests, so it’s possible for sole custody or shared custody to be awarded. Shared custody is when parents have physical and legal custody of their child. Family court judges must consider all factors of a child custody case, including the child’s age, health, relationship with each parent, and each parent’s willingness and ability to provide a safe and stable home environment.
Why You Should Hire a Child Custody Lawyer
In 2022, married parents headed less than 66.7% of all families with children. That same year, about three-quarters of mothers and 91% of fathers were found to be cohabitating with their child’s other parent. Moreover, about 25% of children were reported to live with just one of their parents. These numbers point to the prevalence of child custody proceedings in the US.
Regardless of which parent you are, it’s a good idea to hire a child custody lawyer to increase your chances of a positive outcome. These are some of the benefits of working with a qualified family law and child custody professional:
- Clear legal advice tailored to your unique situation and with your child’s best interests in mind
- Guidance when reviewing potential custody arrangements
- Mediation between you and your child’s other parent
- Strong representation and advocacy for your interests within legal negotiations
- Help enforce a child custody or child support order once it’s been established
- Assistance with modifying a custody court order when necessary
Why You Should Work With The Thompson Law Office, LLC?
At The Thompson Law Office, LLC, a women-owned family law practice based in Lafayette, our legal team offers an empathetic yet aggressive approach to each case. We understand that family law proceedings can be sensitive, especially child custody cases, so we’re here to provide meticulous and straightforward legal counsel.
The courthouse that may handle your child custody case depends on factors such as where you live. For example, child custody issues in Lafayette are most likely to go through the Lafayette Parish Courthouse, which is located at 800 S. Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. However, the legal venue may change depending on the details of your case, so be sure to consult your Louisiana child custody attorney about which courthouse your case is likely to be processed by.
FAQs
How Are Child Custody Determinations Made in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, custody determinations are made according to the child’s best interests. If the parents agree on how custody should be arranged, the court will typically sign off on their agreement unless there is a history of domestic violence or if the child’s interests warrant a different custody arrangement. When determining custody, the judge looks at all relevant factors. These factors include the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, and more.
What Are the Different Types of Child Custody in LA?
In the state of Louisiana, the different types of custody are physical and legal custody. Physical custody involves meeting a child’s day-to-day needs, while legal custody is the parental right to make important decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious affiliations.
The main types of child custody arrangements are joint, shared, and sole custody. Joint custody is when legal custody is shared, but physical custody is not equal. Shared custody has equal physical custody, while sole custody is awarded to only one parent.
Do I Need to Work With a Child Custody Lawyer in LA?
No, you are not legally required to work with a child custody lawyer in the state of Louisiana in order to seek a custody order. However, it is strongly advised that you work with a family law professional when preparing for proceedings as important as child custody. An experienced custody attorney can explain what your legal options are and build a strong case on your behalf before presenting it. A lawyer can also effectively negotiate for a fair custody order.
Is It Possible to Modify a Custody Arrangement in LA?
Yes, it’s possible in Louisiana to modify a previously established child custody arrangement. However, custody court orders can generally only be modified under certain circumstances.
This means you can’t request a custody modification simply because you don’t like the current arrangement. An attorney can argue why a change to the current custody arrangement is in the child’s best interests.
Speak With a Qualified Louisiana Child Custody Lawyer at The Thompson Law Office, LLC, Today
At The Thompson Law Office, LLC, our law professionals say what we mean and mean what we say. If you’re looking for a capable child custody attorney, look no further. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with a skilled, experienced custody lawyer. Whether you need help securing a favorable custody order or assistance requesting a modification, we can address your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
