In Missouri, courts award child custody based on what they believe is in the child’s best interest. There are multiple factors used to determine what decision should be made. The court examines the child’s home environment and relationship with each parent while making this decision.
Child Custody is divided into two categories:
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Physical Custody: Physical child custody schedules determine where the child will live. In some cases, the court awards joint physical custody of the child. Additionally, one parent is designated as the residential parent for purposes of school. In other cases, the court may designate one parent as having sole physical custody. Therefore, the other parent has temporary custody and visitation rights.
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Legal Custody: Parents with legal custody have the right to make major decisions in a child’s life. As a result, this includes decisions regarding health care and education.
If there are allegations of abuse and neglect, alienation of one parent by the other, or serious concerns about the child being involved in the disputes between the parties, the Court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to represent the best interests of the children. Then, investigate each party’s concerns and ultimately make a recommendation to the Court about the custody and visitation schedule that would be best for the children.
At the conclusion of your case, the court will approve a parenting plan. Which, covers most of the major issues in your child’s life. At Flesner Wentzel, we will help you assemble and present evidence to the court. Further, to support a parenting plan that you believe is in the best interests of your child. And, that is customized for your family situation to prevent future disputes.
Enforcing Visitation Schedules
We often hear from parents who are not able to enjoy the time with their children that was set aside for them in the parenting plan. This can happen for many reasons. The reasons include that the other parent is prohibiting the child from visiting, the other parent plans to move away, or the child says they don’t want to visit or talk with the parent. In these situations, parents do have options. Additionally, in some cases, a parent can seek to abate their child support obligation during times that they were not getting the visitation that was ordered.
At Flesner Wentzel, when it comes to parents that haven’t been able to visit with their children, we are dedicated to protecting your parental rights. Our lawyers represent parents in court so that they can reestablish a meaningful relationship with their kids.
Changing Child Custody Plans
Child custody plans can be changed if there is a continuing change in the circumstances of the parents or the child. In many cases, custody plans need to be changed. As children get older, these plans change to accommodate their school schedules and after-school activities. Custody can also be changed if one of the parents becomes unable or unwilling to properly care for the child.
At Flesner Wentzel, we help clients make sure they spend time with the children they love. Our attorneys walk you through every step of the process to ensure you have a meaningful relationship with your children.
We also help clients protect children when they feel their parents are unfit. And, we help protect when children’s physical and mental health is in jeopardy.
Child Custody and Visitation Lawyers in Missouri
If you are seeking to establish a custody plan for your child or to modify an existing plan because the current plan no longer works for your situation, contact the St. Charles lawyers of Flesner Wentzel. Call us at 636-442-4529. We offer flexible payment plans. Se habla Español.
