Parents are entrusted with children and want the very best for them. Emotional custody disputes can occur when parents do not see eye to eye about what is best for the child. Determining child custody and visitation does not have to be a battle between parents. We will help you to civilly discuss options for child custody and visitation by keeping the best interests of your child central to the discussion.
Rosemary Escue Phillips in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, has almost 30 years of experience in handling family law matters. With a background in mediation and negotiation, she has the training necessary to assist you in coming to balanced child custody and visitation solutions. And, in the event that the other side will not be reasonable, our legal professionals will work tirelessly to protect your rights through litigation.
How Does the Court Determine Child Custody?
There is a two step process that courts use to determine child custody. First, the court looks at factors which include:
- Love and affection
- Child's primary caregiver to date
- Length of time in a stable environment
- Whether there has been any abuse
- Stability of the family unit
- Mental stability of parents
- Home, school and community of the child
- Both parents past, present and future employment (finances)
After looking at the factors, the court will look to "the best interest of the child." Generally, the court is interested in trying to maintain the status quo. They generally attempt to keep the child in an environment similar to the one he or she experienced prior to the divorce. The judge is looking to provide the child with stability in the midst of changes from the divorce.
Parenting time or Visitation
Once a decision about custody is made by the judge, a primary parent and alternate parent will be designated. The primary parent has custody of the child and the alternate parent has visitation. A separate document called the permanent parenting plan is needed in every divorce case. This document set out the parenting schedule for the children- and determines holiday times and vacations.
Contact a Gallatin Visitation Attorney
If you are searching for a lawyer to handle your child custody dispute, parenting plan or custody modification, contact Rosemary Escue Phillips, an experienced Goodlettsville child custody attorney for sound advice. Contact us online or by calling 615-239-0267 or toll free 888-845-7049.
