Kansas City Child Custody Lawyer

Understanding Child Custody Laws in Missouri

When a married couple who share children decide to split up, one of the most important and emotionally charged decisions to be made is who will have custody. Family law issues can affect your children's future in several ways, especially if they do not initially understand what is going on.

Therefore, any legal decisions you and your partner make about the custody of your child or children need to make with your child's best interest in mind.

Suppose you have children at home when you are going through divorce proceedings. In that case, you want to be aware that you will have regular and significant connections with your children afterward and have a say in continuing raising them.

Your ex-spouse probably feels the same way. So how do you make sure your legal rights and interests are protected and well-represented when it comes to deciding child custody in your Kansas City divorce?

Contact our firm today to schedule an initial consultation with a Kansas City child custody attorney.

Hire a Legal Advocate for Your Child Custody Issues in Kansas City

At Davis | Family Law, we believe that your child should not have to suffer if you and your ex-spouse decide to get a divorce. The child custody lawyers at our Kansas City law firm are caring and compassionate towards the difficult decisions made during a divorce.

Child custody is most separated parents’ primary concern heading into a divorce. Therefore, it’s vital to have reliable legal representation if you are bracing to arrange your parental rights with your ex-spouse shortly.

Our experienced family law lawyers in Kansas City, MO, can provide guidance, protection, and peace of mind concerning some of the most challenging aspects of family law in Kansas City, MO.

What Do Judges Look For in Child Custody Cases?

The court shall determine custody of a child in accordance with the best interests of the child. The “best interests of the child” law requires courts to focus on the child's needs and not the parent's needs. If the court awards a parent sole custody, that parent has the right to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including healthcare and education decision.

Separating parents in Kansas City must comprehend that the state’s family court must protect the best interests of any child involved in a family law matter.

While it may be challenging in some cases, separating parents must learn to divide their emotions about one another and share responsibilities as parents to have a successful child custody arrangement. It may also be essential to acknowledge that you may not receive full child custody and that your ex will be part of your life and your child’s life for many years to come.

Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody: What's Best for Your Child?

Joint custody refers to a legal situation which both parents share custody.

Sole custody means that one parent is responsible.

Legal custody determines when which parent will make the important decisions for the child, such as about healthcare or schooling.

Physical custody determines who the child will reside with or when shared, the schedule of time that the children will have between the two homes.

When making a decision about child custody, the court typically chooses between:

• Sole physical custody
• Sole legal custody
• Joint physical custody
• Joint legal custody

The children’s best interest is always the court’s primary focus in deciding child custody in Kansas City. Granting shared custody occurs when one or both parents apply for it or agree to share child custody at the court’s discretion and in the children’s best interest.

Also, the Jackson County courthouse may award sole custody if the judge in Kansas City believes such a move is in the child’s best interest.

Developing a Child-Centric Parenting Plan in Kansas City

At Davis | Family Law, we understand that child custody cases can be emotionally challenging for everyone involved. Our experienced team of attorneys is here to guide you through the process and help you create a parenting plan that prioritizes the best interests of your child.

When creating a parenting plan, it's important to consider:

• The child's age, needs, and preferences
• The ability of each parent to provide a stable and loving environment
• The proximity of each parent's residence to the child's school and extracurricular activities
• The willingness of each parent to cooperate and communicate effectively
• The history of each parent's involvement in the child's life
• The physical and mental health of each parent

Our team will work closely with you to gather all necessary information, negotiate with the other party if possible, and advocate for your rights in court if needed. We are committed to helping you achieve a custody arrangement that promotes the well-being and happiness of your child.

Equal Custody Opportunities for Missouri Parents

Missouri is neither a mother state nor a father state. The state of Missouri gives both parents a fair chance to obtain child custody. Nevertheless, it doesn’t automatically imply that child custody will be divided equally between parents. There is no particular preference given to mothers.

How Is Custody Decided in Missouri?

Judges will always try to make decisions with the child's best interest in mind. The court takes a number of different factors into mind, which may include the child's preference, the relationship between child and parents, and the parent's financial ability. Our goal is to act as a legal advocate on your behalf and ensure your child's interests are protected.

Schedule a consultation with one of our Kansas City child custody attorneys today!