Going through a custody battle can be a very stressful situation for the children and the parents. In most cases, the parents and the children’s world have been turned upside down due to the breakdown of a relationship. Understanding the Custody Law in Lee’s Summit MO will help a parent to make wiser decisions during this difficult time. A family lawyer can help to ease the stress of the situation and advocate on behalf of a parent’s behalf. The driving force in every custody decision is the determining what is in the child’s best interest. The court will not show preference for one parent over another because they make more money or the sex of the parent.
What Does The Court Consider The Best Interests Of The Child?
There are a variety of things the court considers when determining the best interest of the child including:
* A child’s wishes if they’re at least eight years of age.
The parent’s proposed parenting plan or wishes, that outlines who will make decisions on behalf of the child and how the time will be divided.
Whether a parent is willing to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent.
If there is any history of abuse in the family against the other parent or the child.
The physical and mental health of the family.
If a child has adjusted to school, home, and the community.
Types Of Custody
Although the court prefers that both parents have frequent and continuing contact with the child, there are various types of custody. Joint physical custody is when each parent has an equal amount of time with the time, and joint legal custody means both parents have input on major decisions. Sole physical custody means only one parent will have physical custody of a child, and sole legal custody means only one parent will make major decisions about the child.
The Custody Law in Lee’s Summit MO can be very confusing to understand and it’s always important to have an attorney representing your interests in court. If you’re involved in a child custody dispute, need to change a current child custody order, or enforce one, please Click Here.
