As any experienced divorce attorney knows, courts decide child custody and visitation matters based on what is in the best interest of the child. At Thompson Law Office in Lexington, KY, family attorneys counsel their clients about what courts consider when making these important decisions. Here are some elements of parental fitness judges examine before issuing their rulings.
Factors Affecting Child Custody & Visitation From a Divorce Attorney’s View
- Allegations of Domestic Violence
If a parent has been accused of committing acts of domestic violence or sexual abuse against a child or an adult, courts take the allegations seriously. Courts may order investigations by law enforcement or child protective services to help determine whether parents should have access to their children.
- Ability to Provide a Clean, Safe Environment
Children need a stable and safe home environment so they can thrive. Parents do not have to be wealthy, but they must be physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially capable of providing for their children’s basic needs, including adequate food, clothing, and a safe shelter.
- Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Parents with alcohol or drug abuse or dependency problems may endanger their children. Courts look closely at whether children are in homes where parents are using or abusing addictive substances. A judge may appoint a guardian ad litem, an attorney for the child, to protect the child’s interests in child custody disputes involving these issues.
At Thompson Law Office, experienced divorce attorneys provide strong advocacy for their clients. They help parents establish fitness to obtain or maintain custody of their children. In some cases, these family attorneys may help their clients prove their children are at risk in the other parent’s care.
If you expect to become or are involved in a child custody or visitation dispute, seek help from a seasoned divorce attorney at Thompson Law Office in Lexington, KY. Call (859) 280-2222 to schedule a consultation appointment with an experienced family attorney, or contact the firm’s lawyers at their website.