Family law covers a variety of areas such as divorce, child custody, child support and spousal support, as well as adoption and visitation rights. Protecting your rights during any of these types of situations is important to your future. Representing yourself during these highly emotional cases could result in a less-than-favorable outcome. An experienced attorney, knowledgeable in family law in Walker, MN, can help guide an individual through the process and give them the legal information they need to make an educated decision about their case. If domestic violence is involved, they can also represent a victim or an accused in court.
Child custody and divorce are two of the most contested areas in family law matters. Both parents are still struggling with the emotional baggage from the failed relationship and are concerned about being part of their child’s life. During a child custody decision, family law courts in Walker, MN, will base their decisions on the best interests of the child. If one parent has abandoned the children, that will weigh into the decision of the court. If one parent was the primary caregiver of the children, that would also be taken into account. Depending on the age of the children, the child’s preference may be taken into consideration.
The court will look at past history of the parents. If incarceration, drug abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, or criminal activity has occurred, this will weigh heavily into the decision of a child custody order. If parents can agree to a reasonable custody order for the children, it should still be reviewed by a family law attorney, so there are not problems in the future with the agreement. It is also the responsibility of both parents to financially support their children. Often times, the parent paying child support does not think they should pay for a child who isn’t living with them. In addition, a custodial parent cannot give up child support and use it as a bargaining tool to gain more time with a child. Whatever family law issues you may be having, contact Brainerd Law and speak to an attorney to obtain the legal guidance you need.
