Child custody involves determining parenting plans, residential time, and decision-making responsibilities

While both parents generally have equal rights to custody of their children, the court's primary concern is the best interests of the child. There is a standard form used for expressing parenting plans, which includes details such as residential time, decision-making responsibilities, and holiday schedules. The goal is to create an order that anyone can follow and understand who has what responsibilities at any given time.

Domestic violence greatly affects custody decisions

While a recent change in the law now gives courts the ability to consider domestic violence in custody decisions, any findings of domestic violence are likely to result in no-contact orders and no shared decision-making. The courts take the presence of domestic violence as a sign that one party cannot be trusted to cooperate and decision-making should not shared.

The standard form looks complete, but skilled attorneys add numerous details

The standard form is a good starting point, but it often lacks the necessary details to address specific situations that may arise. Additional details such as: substance abuse, dispute resolution, transportation, and phased transitions.

We have catalogue of clauses and strategies to tailor your plan to your family's unique needs.