Methuen MA Child Custody Attorneys

Andover Parenting Plan Modification Lawyers

In a divorce or paternity action, questions and issues of child custody and visitation or what is now more commonly called “parenting time" often arise. Physical custody addresses a child's primary residence and who will make the day-to-day decisions for a child. Legal custody determines who will make the major decisions.

Determinations of child custody, parenting time and visitation are based on the best interest of the child, and the development of a parenting plan. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Legal custody deals with larger decisions including education, religion and medical services. Joint custody allows the parents to share the responsibilities of physical and legal custody.

Our attorneys at Perrault & Associates can help you communicate your wishes and establish your legal rights in all circumstances. We can also assist you with creating custody and parenting plans that protects the best interests of your children.

We serve clients located throughout northeastern Massachusetts, as well at New Hampshire, including the communities of Methuen, Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case — contact our law firm today.

Navigating Difficult Child Custody Disputes

When you find yourself disputing a child custody issue, emotions are likely running high. Our knowledgable child custody and family law attorneys will help you seek the desired outcome that is in yours and your child's best interests.

• Paternity: If you are seeking to determine paternity or custody or visitation after paternity has been established, we can assist you in asserting your rights. We are also experienced in assisting parents with custody or visitation issues regarding paternity.
• Child custody and support: If you feel that a request to change custody is a threat to a request to increase or decrease a child support order, we can help you protect your rights and those of your children.
• Parenting plan: A parenting plan will address the visitation schedule. We can assist you in protecting your rights and those of your children in creating a schedule that works best for you and the children as well as in the enforcement or modification of a parenting plan.
• Removal: Once there is court involvement with a family the parties must agree to the removal of a child from the home state. If the parties cannot agree on the move the court must make that decision. Our attorneys are well versed in the case law on removal and can assist you in proving to the court why it is or is not in your child's best interest to move out of state.
• Interstate issues with custody: We have experience with parental rights, custody and other interstate issues when parents and children reside in different states. Our attorneys can help you establish or modify an order when parties live in different states that supports your child's best interests.
• Grandparent rights: As a grandparent, both you and your grandchildren are entitled to a relationship. We can help you preserve that relationship despite the divorce of that child’s parents by asking for visitation rights for you.
• Post-divorce issues: After a divorce, you may need a modification to a visitation order or a parenting plan or a change in circumstances may occur that will affect custody. We can assist you in addressing post-divorce issues.

When you need a family law attorney on your side, we can help. We will aggressively represent your interests in negotiations and in the courtroom. Our attorneys realize the importance of child custody issues. You can be assured that we will take the time to understand your situation and persuasively argue on your behalf.

Contact our lawyers in Methuen, Massachusetts for a free consultation or case evaluation. We are happy to provide you with necessary information regarding your legal issue.

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