A parent never stops worrying about their child or children. These worries can be amplified in situations where one shares custody with the other parent. Unfortunately, there are times when your counterpart may be failing to meet the needs of the child. This failure can come in the form of inadequate housing, a lack of attention to the child’s health or education, or from the other parent having developed substance abuse problems. In such a situation it is important that you take immediate action to modify your current court order. Our Little Rock lawyers handle cases involving changes of child custody. We understand that such matters involve serious situations. We will make your case a priority. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.
Little Rock attorneys filing for a change of custody to protect a child’s best interests
Arkansas allows parents to go back to Court after an initial child custody order has already been issued. A parent may modify their current Order if they can show two things. First, they must show that circumstances have significantly changed since the Judge’s last ruling. Second, they must show that, because of this change, it is now in the child’s best interests for custody and visitation to be modified. When considering what is in a child’s “best interests,” the Court will consider factors such as the wishes of the child (depending on their age and maturity), the ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs, whether there is a history of violence between the parties, and more.
The first step in requesting a change of custody is to file a Motion with the Court. This is a formal document in which the requesting parent states the facts and law which support their case. A hearing will be held and, typically, a trial date will be set. The Judge may or may not issue a temporary change of custody pending trial. Discovery (the process by which information is gained from the other side) will then begin. This is how each party will obtain evidence to build their case. If a settlement or resolution is not reached then the matter will conclude at a bench trial, at which the Judge will issue a final order regarding custody, visitation, and child support. Litigating such matters can involve complicated legal issues and it is best to retain an experienced lawyer to assist you.
Our Little Rock attorneys assist with matters involving a change of child custody. We will use your initial consultation to help you understand whether you have a basis to request a modification. We will quickly file your Motion with the Court and, if the matter is an emergency, we will request an immediate hearing. Our counsel will argue for a temporary change of custody at the initial hearing. We will then use the discovery process to obtain police records, employment reports, phone records, etc. Our counsel have extensive trial experience and we will make sure that your case is presented to the Court in a proper fashion. Most importantly, we will make sure that your rights are protected from beginning to end. Contact us today.
Lawyers providing regular communication to Arkansas parents who are requesting a change of custody
If you are requesting a change of custody then you are already worried about your child. It is important that you have an attorney who stays in regular communication with you throughout the process. Our lawyers often provide clients with their cell phone numbers and we will make sure that your questions are timely answered. We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service and this is our standard in every case we handle.
In addition to Little Rock, we also handle matters in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff and throughout the rest of Arkansas.