Child Custody Attorney in Washington, D.C. Advocating For Client’s Rights in Child Custody and Visitation Cases

Divorce is never easy for anyone, but when issues regarding child custody agreements arise, contention can quickly develop between former spouses. Unfortunately, an ex-husband or ex-wife may try to use their child to hurt the other parent. However, it is best for the child’s well-being if parents can set their feelings aside and decide on a child custody agreement that works for both sides.

Nevertheless, in many cases, parents cannot come to a mutual resolution when determining a custody arrangement. At this point, the matter would then have to be decided by a family court judge.

If you are in a custody dispute or need advice regarding your parental rights, contact The Fathers’ Rights Firm in Washington, D.C. Our family law attorney can review your child custody case and determine the available legal options.

What Types of Child Custody Agreements Are Available in Washington, D.C.?

There are several different terms that you should be familiar with that are relevant to child custody cases.

Legal custody includes the right to make important decisions about your child’s education, healthcare, and well-being. Legal custody also includes your ability to speak with and access records from school officials, medical professionals, and others who may interact with your child.

Physical custody refers to the child’s living arrangements. The parent with whom the child resides is called the legal custodial parent. Conversely, the non-custodial parent typically sees the child through a visitation agreement. This non-custodial parent is also responsible for paying the child’s financial and medical support.

Some of the other terms involved in custody arrangements include:

Sole legal custody: One parent exclusively has all rights concerning legal custody.
Joint legal custody: In joint custody, parents share rights and have an equal say in making important life decisions for their children.
Sole physical custody: In this custody arrangement, the child lives with the primary custodial parent and visits with the other parent. The parent who has visitation with the child is often said to have partial custody.
Joint physical custody: Also referred to as shared custody when the child spends an equal amount of time living with both parents.

What Are Other Child Custody Terms?

Some other terms that are used less frequently in custody cases include:

Primary custody: The parent with whom the child mostly lives.
Sole custody: When one parent has all legal rights and has the legal authority to make all decisions for the child.
Supervised visitation: Parents are allowed to visit their children in a safe or supervised environment.
Supervised partial physical custody: A parent, court-appointed adult, or agency must supervise a parent during custodial visitation time with the child. This is often used in cases where there have been issues regarding child abuse or domestic violence.

How is Child Custody Decided?

One of the primary factors that a family court judge will base their decision on when custody cases are what is in the best interest of the child. Some of the factors that a judge will evaluate include but are not limited to:

The child’s preference as long as they are old enough and mature enough to understand their decision.
The parent’s desire and willingness to obtain custody.
Each parent’s ability to share custody and encourage and nurture a relationship with the other parent.
The physical and mental health of the parents and child.
The financial ability of each parent to effectively care for their child.
Which parent has acted as the primary caregiver for the child.
Prior involvement in the child’s life.
The child’s school and community history.
Each parent’s willingness to abide by the parenting plan.
Evidence of domestic violence or abuse.
The child’s relationship with other siblings.

Because the court reviews many factors when deciding on a child custody order, you must hire an attorney who can provide solid legal advice to strengthen your case.

Can a Father Gain Full Custody in D.C.?

In most cases, the court prefers that parents share custody rights so the child has a meaningful relationship with each parent. However, some situations necessitate the need for one parent to be granted sole custody.

Any father who wishes to obtain full custody must have acknowledged the paternity of a child. Acknowledging paternity can be done by the father either by signing the birth certificate or through court proceedings.

Furthermore, for either parent to try and obtain sole custody, they must be prepared to prove that the other is unfit. Therefore, if you are a father who wishes to obtain sole custody, you need an attorney who will not be afraid to stand up for your rights.

Contact The Fathers’ Rights Firm to learn more about how to go about filing for sole custody and how we may be able to help.

Why Should I Hire a Child Custody Attorney to Help Me With My Legal Issues?

If you are a father involved in any type of child custody proceeding, you will need a highly trained lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal process. Judges always err on the side of caution when deciding custody issues, and you need an attorney who will advocate on your behalf.

Our law firm will be happy to assist you and your ex-spouse with a parenting schedule that will be mutually favorable to both of you. Our legal staff will also gladly help you complete the paperwork involved in custody issues to ensure it is completed correctly.

We understand your children’s importance and the relationship you wish to continue with them. Contact our law office at 1-877-CUSTODY and ask to schedule a strategy session to discuss your case and explore your legal options.