Child Custody
Where your children spend their time is often one of the most challenging issues parents face.
There are two aspects of custody to consider: legal custody and physical custody.
Legal custody is defined as the ability of parents to make decisions regarding the health, education and welfare of their children. The vast majority of people share joint legal custody. However, in certain circumstances, the parties or the court might determine only one parent should make legal custody decisions.
Physical custody refers to who the children spend their time with each week, as well as where they spend their holidays and vacation time.
As with most family law issues, child custody can be addressed outside of court, between parents, via Mediation, Collaborative or Negotiation. An attorney can provide legal guidance and advice through this process by consulting with you privately, by attending Mediation or Collaborative sessions and by helping you negotiate a settlement that works for your family. We share with you the various options that have worked for families and can assist you in crafting a parenting plan that is in the best interest of your children. In many circumstances, we are able to help you create physical custody arrangements customized to fit your family’s lifestyle. If needed, our office has experience with many highly skilled professionals who specialize in working with families that are transitioning through divorce. These outside experts include child mediation consultants, therapists, custody evaluators and parenting coordinators. Each of these specialists plays a different role in the custody process and can be consulted should it be warranted in your particular circumstance.
Our goal at Setzer Family Law is to use our experience and resources to help make the divorce process have as little impact as possible on you and your family.
