Resolving Child Custody And Visitation Conflicts In Kentucky
Disagreements with your child’s other parent over what is best for your child are stressful and emotionally charged. When a disagreement escalates into a full-fledged child custody battle, anxiety and worry can escalate.
At Frye, Troxler & Davis, PSC, our team understands how emotional and challenging conflicts involving your child can be. With combined decades of experience, our child custody attorneys have helped thousands of families resolve custody disputes and reach agreements. If you and your child’s other parent are amicable and agree on custody and visitation, our lawyers can facilitate an enforceable agreement. If you anticipate a difficult and unreasonable co-parenting relationship, they can provide legal guidance and advocacy on your behalf.
Understanding Child Custody In Kentucky
Kentucky courts resolve child custody disputes by considering what is in the best interests of the child. Kentucky recognizes different types of custody arrangements, including the following:
- Sole custody: One parent has primary physical and legal custody of the child.
- Joint custody: Both parents share physical and legal custody of the child.
- Shared parenting: Both parents participate in the upbringing of the child.
When determining custody, the court can order an assessment to evaluate custody options. A custody evaluation provides the court with information and recommendations about a family’s dynamics and circumstances. If necessary, the court can also appoint a guardian ad litem. A court-appointed guardian ad litem represents and advocates on behalf of the child’s best interests, providing the court with a neutral recommendation regarding the child’s interests and needs.
What Does A Judge Consider When Deciding Custody?
When deciding custody in a divorce or paternity action, Kentucky courts consider many factors to determine what is in the best interests of the child. These factors include:
- The child’s wishes
- The parents’ wishes
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s adjustment to home, school and community
In addition, the court will also consider the mental and physical health of all individuals involved. Whether a Kentucky court is addressing a parent’s request to relocate with a child, accusations of domestic abuse or parental alienation, interstate custody issues or situations requiring supervised visitation, a judge will always approach the case from what is in the best interests of the child.
Creating A Visitation Schedule And Parenting Plan For Your Unique Family
When parents work together, they can develop a parenting plan and visitation rights schedule that suits their unique family circumstances. A solid parenting plan will address holidays, birthdays, school breaks and other special occasions. Attempting mediation can also be a valuable tool to help parents reach agreements.
Life circumstances can change. If there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a parent’s desire to relocate with a child, or concerns about a child’s safety, then it may be necessary to pursue a child custody modification. Whether you are seeking to establish or modify visitation rights, our parenting time attorneys can help.
Consult An Experienced Child Custody Attorney For Free
At Frye & Troxler PSC, our attorneys are passionate about serving our local community. Our child custody lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. To schedule your free appointment, you can call 606-833-8400 or send our team a message through our website.