CHILD CUSTODY

When it comes to child custody matters, the emotional and legal stakes are high. At M.L. Martin & Furnace, LLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a custody arrangement that is in the best interests of your child. We take a personalized approach to every case, recognizing that each family’s situation is unique.

We offer comprehensive legal services in all aspects of child custody law, including:

• Custody Disputes: Whether you’re in the midst of a divorce or have a custody disagreement outside of marriage, we can help you establish or modify a custody arrangement.
• Mediation Support: We guide you through the mediation process to help resolve custody issues amicably and avoid court battles when possible.
• Court Representation: If litigation is necessary, we will vigorously represent your interests in court to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child.
• Modification of Existing Custody Orders: Life circumstances change. If you need to adjust an existing custody agreement, we can help you navigate the legal process to ensure your arrangement remains fair and beneficial for your child.

Our primary goal is to make sure that your child’s emotional, educational, and developmental needs are prioritized throughout the legal process.

Understanding the different types of child custody is crucial for navigating your case. At M.L. Martin & Furnace, LLC, we will help you comprehend your rights and options:

• Legal Custody: This grants a parent the right to make major decisions about their child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Legal custody can be either joint, where both parents share these responsibilities, or sole, where only one parent has the authority to make these decisions.
• Physical Custody: This determines where the child will live and who is responsible for their day-to-day care. Like legal custody, physical custody can be joint (where the child spends significant time with both parents) or sole (where the child lives primarily with one parent).
• Joint Custody: In this arrangement, both parents share physical or legal custody (or both), which can foster a balanced relationship with the child. Courts typically favor joint custody if it is in the best interest of the child, encouraging both parents to actively participate in their child’s upbringing.
• Sole Custody: This arrangement grants one parent full custody, either physical, legal, or both. Sole custody is usually awarded if it’s determined that one parent is unfit, or in situations where one parent is unable to meet the child’s needs.

It is possible to obtain an Order signed by the Judge through the mutual consent of the parties. However, cooperation between the parties is essential in order to achieve this outcome. Each case is different, and we will ensure that your child custody plan reflects the specific needs and dynamics of your family.