Lafayette Child Custody Attorney
Child custody cases are often an incredibly emotional situation, especially in the turmoil of a divorce or separation case. You want what is right for your children, but this can differ from the wishes of your co-parent. Getting the support of a Lafayette child custody lawyer can help you advocate for your wishes for custody and what you believe is right for your children. Whether you want shared or sole custody, an attorney could help you fight for that outcome.
When trying to figure out what is the best custodial arrangement is for your children, working with an attorney can help you protect your well-being while also protecting your children’s interests.
Achieve The Best Possible Results For You And Your Child(ren)
Going through a custody dispute can be emotionally draining. You feel worried about the future, unsure whether you will get to spend enough time with your children. You do not have to go through a custody battle alone.
At The Thompson Law Office, LLC, we make sure to treat you with compassion during this process. At the same time, we fight aggressively to obtain the best possible solutions for you. We try to make the legal proceedings as stress-free as we can. That way, you can focus your attention on what matters to you most: your kids.
Child custody cases in Lafayette are likely going to be handled by the 15th Judicial District Court. The Lafayette Parish Courthouse is located at 800 S. Buchanan Street.
How Do Louisiana Courts Decide Custody?
Every family’s circumstance is different. Family courts do not use one particular formula to issue one-size-fits-all decisions. The court will prioritize the child’s interests when determining custody. Several factors will impact your family’s legal matter, including:
- Your relationship with your child
- Your ability to care for your child, including their basic material needs, emotional support, and guidance
- The location of your residence and its distance from your co-parent’s residence
- The likelihood of a child being abused in any given custodial situation
- The history or presence of substance abuse or domestic violence
- How long the child has lived in a stable home that provides for their needs, and whether it is important to maintain that environment
- How permanent the proposed custodial home is
- Your history of caring for your child
- Your moral fitness, as far as it impacts your child’s well-being
- Your mental and physical health
- Your child’s connection with their home, school, and community
- Your child’s preference for custody, if the court decides they are old enough to provide an opinion
- Your willingness to let your child have a meaningful relationship with your co-parent, except in cases where there is significant evidence of abuse
There is no way to predict your outcome with any accuracy based on this list. To get a better idea of what you can expect, consult The Thompson Law Office, LLC in Lafayette. Our firm can help you review your unique circumstances and determine what conclusion the court may reach. We can help you determine if you and your co-parent should negotiate a parenting plan outside of court. This can give you more control over custody arrangements, but it must still be in the child’s best interests.
Don’t Let Criminal Charges Affect Your Custody Rights
Criminal offenses can have a significant negative impact on your custody and visitation schedule. For example, DUI or DWI charges may lead a judge to believe that a parent will not drink and drive responsibly with their children. Our attorneys can help you uphold your rights as a parent. We will do everything that we can to get your charges dropped, reduce the charges against you or minimize the penalty. Then, we will tell your story to help the court understand that you are a responsible parent who deserves custody.
Why Should You Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
A child custody case can change a lot about your future, and you don’t want to leave that up to chance. Whether you and your co-parent are negotiating a parenting plan or you are involved in a custody battle, legal representation can help substantially. Some of the ways a Lafayette child custody attorney can benefit your case include:
- Providing clarity on legal requirements and giving you advice tailored to your unique custody case
- Helping you review potential custody options
- Determining if alternative dispute resolutions are possible and safe for you, such as mediation or negotiation
- Mediating between you and your co-parent, or representing your interests in negotiations with your co-parent
- Representing and advocating for your interests in court if a custody agreement can’t be reached outside of court
- Always considering your child’s best interests
- Enforcing a child custody support order once it is made
- Modifying a custody order if it no longer fits your family’s circumstances
Schedule A Consultation To Talk About Custody
Our team at The Thompson Law Office, LLC, is here to help you so that you do not have to handle a custody dispute on your own. Contact our office in Lafayette to schedule an initial consultation about your situation. Call 337-534-8761 or send us an email to reach us today.
