As a parent you want nothing but the best for your children. Unfortunately, there are instances in which your child’s other parent may be failing to hold up their end of that ideal. These instances can include disagreements over education, extracurricular activities, or situations in which the child is actually being placed in danger. When the needs of your child are not being met then it may be necessary for you to file a case and obtain custody. When this dilemma arises it is important that you retain an experienced attorney to assist you. Our Little Rock child custody lawyers have decades of combined experience and they stand up for Arkansas families. If you require assistance then contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Little Rock attorneys handling child custody cases for parents throughout Arkansas
Arkansas is like many other states in that it presumes that the parents should share joint custody of a child. This means that the Family Court Judge will begin each matter with the assumption that the parents should have the child for an equal amount of time. The Court will only vary from this assumption, and award a parent primary custody, when it is shown that joint custody would not be in the child’s best interests. When determining what is in a child’s best interests, the Court will consider factors which include, but are not limited to:
- The needs of the child
- The ability of each parent to meet those needs
- The source of any conflict between the parents
- Whether there is a history of violence between the parties
- The need for the child to maintain a relationship with any siblings
How the Court rules, as to custody, will impact issues such as child support, visitation, and more.
The first step in a custody case is to file a Petition with the Circuit Court. If the parents are also going through a divorce, then any custody issues will be decided as part of that process. The other parent will file a response. If a settlement/agreement is not reached then the Court will typically issue a temporary order stating how custody is to be shared while the matter is pending. Each side will then have the opportunity to use a process known as “discovery” to gain information from the other. The case will conclude at a bench trial where the Judge will hear the evidence and make a final ruling on all issues. Litigating such matters requires an understanding of the rules of procedure as well as the rules of evidence. It is important that you retain a lawyer who is experienced in such matters.
Our Little Rock child custody lawyers have decades of combined legal experience. They will use your initial consultation to give you an honest assessment of your case and to help you understand what to expect from the process. We will immediately file your Petition and Motion for a temporary order with the Court. After the initial hearing, our discovery efforts will focus on obtaining evidence which relates to your counterpart’s fitness to parent. Such evidence may include medical records, an employment history, phone records, and more. Our counsel will ensure that you are prepared for trial and that your rights are protected from beginning to end. We believe in standing up for families and we are ready to assist you.
Child custody lawyers providing quality service to Arkansas parents
A parent has enough to worry about when it comes to their child. They do not need the added aggravation of an attorney who provides poor service. Our child custody lawyers make communication with their clients a priority. This includes the prompt returning of messages and making themselves available to answer your questions. We see it is as a privilege to serve you and we work to earn such an opportunity.
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.