Custody

As part of a divorce proceeding, the family court will often make a determination as to which parent will have custody of any minor children. There are two types of custody legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody entitles a parent to have input into such decisions as what school the child will attend. Physical custody refers to where a child will live. In most cases, one parent will have physical custody for more than fifty percent of the time and is referred to as the "custodial parent." The time allotted to the other parent by the court is referred to as "visitation" or parenting time.

In custody and parenting time cases, I take an overall view of the situation. These two aspects of a divorce go hand in hand, and I am experienced in all aspects of child custody and parenting time determinations, including disputes that may arise and later modifications of the custody and parenting time agreement.

In addition to my work in family law matters in the civilian context, I have unique experience with military parenting time issues. These issues often involve the question of whether a parent may take the child out of the state when they are transferred to another base, or whether modification of the custody agreement is warranted.

In the context of child custody disputes, it is always better to keep the argument out of the courtroom and away from the children. As a trained mediator, I can help you and your ex-spouse resolve these issues in a manner that reaches an agreement in the best interests of the child without exposing the child to the ugliness of divorce.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to speak with a lawyer regarding your separation or marital dissolution, please do not hesitate to call my office at (719) 329-0937. If you prefer, you may e-mail me or fill out the form on the Contact Us page of this website, and a representative from my office will be in touch with you shortly. I look forward to hearing from you!