Resolving High-Conflict Child Custody Issues
Child custody and visitation are often the most contentious issues in any divorce proceeding. The potential for conflict is high, and having experienced legal representation on your side is essential.
At The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C., our family law attorney has more than 25 years of experience. Ultimately, our goal is always to reach a resolution that both parties can live with and that places the utmost priority on the best interests of the children. However, when the issues are intractable, we will serve as the aggressive advocate you need in the courtroom.
Establishing Custody In Kansas
In a perfect world, parents would be able to reach a custody decision on their own terms. While this is still a possibility, when parents are simply unable to agree, it becomes necessary for the courts to make the ultimate decision regarding custody. This can be a difficult process, and it is important to both protect your rights and keep your child’s best interests in mind.
Custody determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and may include factors such as:
- The child’s need to maintain contact with both parents
- The wishes of the child, if mature enough to make such a decision
- The quality of the child’s life at home and at school
- The ability of the parents to cooperate with each other
- Evidence of a parent’s drug or alcohol abuse or other domestic problems
We know how important it is to pay attention to the unique situation of your child in order to present an effective case for custody.
Understanding Paternity Actions
When a mother is married at the time of her child’s conception or birth, her husband is the presumptive father in the eyes of the law. This means that her husband is held responsible for the child unless and until proven otherwise. While this offers clarity for many families, children whose parents are unmarried, who have same-sex parents or who are the result of infidelity are often left in the gap. Many women are, consequently, left without a clear path for financial or parenting support, and many men do not get access to their own children. A paternity action looks at a suspected father’s DNA and history with the child in order to establish their rights to see their child or to relieve them from inappropriate support orders.
Child In Need Of Care Cases
There are some instances where child custody concerns may arise outside of the divorce arena. Child in need of care proceedings occur when the state has found evidence of child abuse or neglect. If you are the relative of a child who is the subject of a proceeding, or if the state is threatening action to remove your child from your home, we are here to help you through this process.
Contact Our Family Law Attorney
We have extensive experience handling even the most complex child custody cases. To learn more, call 913-451-1119 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our lawyer. From our office in Lenexa, we represent people throughout Johnson County.