Youngsville Child Custody Lawyer

Youngsville Child Custody Attorney

Youngsville is a very family-friendly area, with places like Sugar Beach and Pixus Splash Park being highlights for young children. However, it can be difficult to enjoy your time with your children if you are concerned about their custody arrangements. For help, contact a Youngsville child custody lawyer.

The Basics of Child Custody

Louisiana has two kinds of custody. Legal custody is meant to provide a parent with the ability to make decisions for their child, like what school to go to or what religious activities they are involved in.

Physical custody refers to whether the parent can have the child stay with them. If both parents are allowed to do this, then they are considered to have joint custody.

Generally, joint custody situations are preferred since they are typically easier on the child. However, serious problems with one parent might lead to the courts awarding sole custody to one parent. The other parent might still receive visitation rights, which are the right to see their child, but they cannot have the child live with them without custody.

Sometimes, these orders need to be modified if the needs or situation of either parent change. Examples include a parent moving or any change that otherwise affects the child’s ability to spend time with them.

Experienced Child Custody Lawyers in Youngsville, LA

If you are going through a stressful divorce, the last thing you need is a lengthy custody battle. Our family lawyers at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory can represent you through the process. We can provide the compassionate support you need during such a challenging moment in your life.

Considerations for Child Custody in Louisiana

Many people wonder how child custody is determined in a case. Judges often look at certain factors to determine who gets custody, including:

• Living situation: This includes the safety of the home as well as the parent having enough time and money to properly raise the child. If there are individuals in the home with a violent criminal history, the judge will be less likely to allow custody, as it can be seen as a danger for the child. Parental health issues can also be a problem.
• Local area: A child often prefers to keep their existing schedule. This means going to the same school and attending similar extracurriculars. If the child can be kept in the same area so that they do not have to change schools, this is seen as beneficial in child custody cases.
• Domestic Violence: Youngsville courts take domestic violence claims very seriously. If there are allegations of domestic violence, they can seriously impact the outcome of a child custody case. If proven to be true, they can limit the perpetrator’s access to custody. A judge may even reduce or revoke visitation rights to their children.
• Joint custody: In most cases, child custody laws prefer that both parents have custody. This is because the child is more likely to benefit from a relationship with both parents as opposed to just one. However, there might be situations where joint custody is not possible. In these cases, sole custody might be awarded.
• Wishes of the child: A child’s desires are only taken into consideration if they are old and mature enough to make a rational decision. They are also not the deciding factor in many cases. Lots of other factors are reviewed in addition to the child’s preferences to make sure they can be in a safe environment.

About 8.7% of men and 7.5% of women are divorced in Youngsville. This leads to many issues with child custody. In more stressful situations, it is advised that you work with a Youngsville child custody attorney.

Why Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we pride ourselves on our compassion and communication. Due to our small size, we can provide personalized plans to our clients and answer questions when needed. Instead of being lost in the system, we remember your name and what matters most to your family.

FAQs About Youngsville, LA Child Custody Laws

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Louisiana?

A child custody lawyer costs different amounts in Louisiana based on many factors. First, a child custody lawyer will cost more if the case takes longer to resolve. If all parties are friendly and willing to work together, you will likely pay less than for a case where everyone disagrees with each other.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

The biggest mistake in a custody battle is not being willing to work with the courts and the other parent. Being openly hostile or trying to manipulate your child into wanting to stay with you are both looked down on in a child custody claim. These behaviors can make the judge think that you are not the right person to have custody or visitation rights.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in Louisiana?

Judges look for safety and stability in child custody cases in Louisiana. They want to make sure the parents with custody over the child can provide for them and help them develop in a safe place. To achieve this, they look at factors like criminal history, living situation, income, and other details.

What Looks Bad in a Custody Case?

What looks bad in a custody case is presenting yourself in a way that questions your ability to provide a safe space for the child. This includes creating a hostile environment and talking badly about the other parent to your children or on social media. Not allowing your child to see or socialize with the other parent also does not look good.

Contact a Youngsville Child Custody Lawyer Today

According to the most recent Census data, 16% of children live in blended families, which include stepparents and siblings. This means child custody cases are fairly common. These cases can help children and parents spend time together in a way that works for them. For legal assistance with your case, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory today.