Springfield Child Custody Attorney

Helping Clients Resolve Child Custody Disputes in Springfield

The issue of child custody can create a great deal of anxiety in a divorce. Parents struggle to balance their emotions with the pragmatic needs of the child. It’s difficult to accept that you want as much time with the kids as possible, but you also must share that time, being without the kids for long stretches.

Cole & Martin Attorneys at Law, LLC is here to help with your child custody situation. We understand that this is a sensitive matter, and we know that you need someone on your side. Our team is ready to handle this difficult time with care and compassion. Your needs are important, and we want to help you meet those needs while ensuring the best outcome for the children. Our commitment is to provide empathetic support while helping you navigate legal requirements and practical considerations with the unparalleled guidance of a dedicated child custody attorney in Springfield.

If you have child custody concerns in Polk County & Greene County, trust our team to provide support. You can contact us online or at (417) 213-5441 schedule a free consultation.

Reaching Agreements in Your Child Custody Case

Child custody plans are not simple. Generally, there are many decisions to make, and every aspect of your life can affect these decisions.

Here are some examples of the decisions a child custody lawyer can help you cover:

• Holidays
• Joint Custody
• Visitation Schedules

In each of these examples, the more detailed your plan is, the better it will be. It’s not as simple as saying “Parent B will have the kids on the weekends.” Including specific agreements like pick-up/drop-off schedules and emergency contacts can provide clarity and help prevent disputes.

Your child custody lawyer can help you incorporate details such as:

• Expenses:
  Travel to and from locations can get costly, especially when parents are long-distance. You should designate these expenses in your plan.
• A Detailed Holiday Plan:
  You should decide now who gets the kids on which days. You could keep the schedule rigid, making it consistent no matter what special days come and go. Other options include swapping the kids each year for major holidays and allowing the schedule to change for birthdays or Mother’s/Father’s Day.
• Plans for Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs:
  This should include specific times, locations, and responsible parties.

Parents sometimes would rather “wing it” than be tied down to a rigid schedule. Doing this is a mistake. Without a specific plan in place, it’s more difficult to coordinate your time. Moreover, it’s easier for one parent to accuse another of breaking the plan. When you have a highly detailed plan, you know exactly what to expect. You can plan around it, and you can protect yourself from false accusations.

Negotiating Your Parenting Plan

Creating such a plan can feel overwhelming, and that’s where our firm can help. Our child custody attorney can help parents negotiate custody arrangements. During this mediation, our goal is to allow both parties to voice their needs and concerns. Our team can help keep everyone talking and listening, and we can step in and redirect talks when they get heated. We are working toward meeting everyone’s needs, not attempting to secure a “win” for either side. Facilitating open communication and finding common ground can ease tensions and foster cooperative co-parenting arrangements. Our Springfield child custody lawyer can provide valuable insights into making these negotiations smoother and more effective.

When It’s Time to Go to Court

In a contentious situation, mediation will not be effective. That’s when you must take the matter before a judge.

Court is appropriate when:

• Parents cannot amicably work together.
• One parent is unfit, posing a danger to the children.

We are prepared to help prove your situation, showing the court what is in the best interests of your child. Our team can gather the necessary evidence to prove a parent is unfit, and we can speak for you when tensions are high. We understand the formalities of courtroom procedures and can present evidence meticulously to ensure that we are advocating effectively for resolutions that safeguard your child’s welfare. Turn to a child custody lawyer that Springfield residents trust.

Trust our Springfield lawyer to help with all your child custody needs. We can step in when initial decisions are made, and we can also help with any necessary custody modifications. You can reach our office by calling (417) 213-5441, and you can set up time with us online.

Common Questions About Child Custody in Springfield, MO

What Factors Do Judges Consider in Child Custody Decisions?

Judges in Missouri examine multiple factors to determine child custody, focusing on the child's best interests. They assess the child’s wishes, the health and safety of the child, the stability of each parent's home, and the emotional support each parent provides. The adjustment of the child to their community and school environment also plays a role in decisions. It's important for your child custody lawyer to be able to present a comprehensive view of your living situation and relationship with your child, demonstrating your dedication to their stability and well-being.

How Does Joint Custody Work in Springfield, MO?

Joint custody in Springfield allows both parents to maintain significant roles in their child's life. Typically, joint custody agreements involve shared decision-making responsibilities and an equitable division of time. These plans need to account for daily routines and educational needs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication between parents. The aim is to ensure that the child feels supported by both parents, despite living arrangements. Legal assistance from a child custody attorney in Springfield can be crucial in structuring these agreements to minimize conflicts and support long-term co-parenting success.

Can Child Custody Arrangements Be Modified?

Yes, custody arrangements can be modified in Missouri if there's a significant change in circumstances affecting the child's well-being. This could include changes in a parent's living situation, employment, or health, or the child's specific needs evolving over time. It’s important to document any substantial changes carefully and seek legal advice to navigate the modification process. Courts will always prioritize the child's best interests and require evidence that the proposed changes benefit the child before approving modifications. Our child custody lawyer in Springfield can be relied on to assist in presenting compelling arguments for modification.