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 firm is here to help with your child custody case. 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.

If you have child custody concerns in Polk County & Greene County, trust our team to support you. You can contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

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:

• 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.” 

You should incorporate:

• 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. We can help parents negotiate custody plans. 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.

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 case, 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. 

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.