Putting Your Child’s Best Interests First In Louisiana
As parents, we want what is best for our children. Child custody and visitation can be some of the most contentious and emotionally charged aspects of divorce, and it is easy to lose sight of what is most important. Having objective and honest legal counsel through this rocky time will help you make decisions to feel comfortable.
At The Schwab Law Firm, our experienced family law attorneys can help you develop custody and visitation plans that protect your child’s best interests while also protecting your rights as a parent. Our firm is dedicated to helping clients in Terrebonne Parish and throughout southeastern Louisiana make the best decision possible when it comes to their children.
The outcome of your family law matter or any other legal challenge is important to us. Call 985-262-3778 or contact us online to discuss your child custody concerns.
Child Custody Agreements In Louisiana
We focus on helping clients resolve their family law disputes through mediation and collaborative law. These alternative dispute resolution methods allow you and your spouse to tailor solutions regarding child custody and reach an agreement that benefits everyone. Should litigation become necessary, however, our attorneys can vigorously fight to protect your interests in the courtroom.
Louisiana has four main categories of child custody:
- Sole custody gives one parent complete decision-making authority over the child and is rarely granted.
- Joint custody is the most traditional and frequently granted form of child custody. The child stays with one parent most of the time, with the other parent having visitation rights. Both parents share decision-making authority.
- Shared custody allows parents to split time and decision-making authority 50-50.
- Split custody can be agreed upon when a couple has more than one child. For example, if they have three children, two children would stay with the mother and one with the father for a week, and then switch off.
Except in extreme circumstances, the court believes that the children have the right to have a relationship with both parents. There are benefits and drawbacks to each form of custody. We are experienced and dedicated family lawyers, and you can rely on us to provide a realistic assessment of your situation while helping you keep your child’s long-term interests in mind.
Visitation Considerations
Sometimes there are special considerations that would require parents to modify their visitation schedules, such as a job schedule or substance abuse issues of one parent. It is possible to request supervised visitation to allow a child to continue a relationship with both parents while ensuring their safety. Counseling or drug intervention may also be linked to visitation schedules in Louisiana. We can assess your situation to determine whether special considerations exist that would warrant a more tailored or restrictive visitation schedule.
Post-Decree Enforcement And Modifications
If your spouse fails to comply with the original order, we can help you seek child custody or visitation enforcement. If your life or financial circumstances change substantially, we can advocate for you in modification proceedings.
Schedule An Appointment With An Experienced Louisiana Attorney
For more than 20 years, our lawyers have been committed to helping families in Louisiana. We will give you straightforward legal advice and help you make the best possible decision about child custody and visitation. Call 985-262-3778 or contact us online to discuss your concerns.
Our office is located in downtown Houma, one block away from the courthouse. We are available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, and meetings at other times are available by appointment. Our office is closed between noon and 1 p.m. daily for lunch.