Northern Kentucky Child Custody And Visitation Lawyer
Child custody and visitation can be complicated emotional issues because they concern your most important relationships. We love our children and want to spend time with them. Family courts recognize the need for every child to have a good relationship with both parents. Many divorcing parents and unmarried parents want to put the best possible legal arrangements in place so they can ensure ongoing closeness to their kids and maintain consistency in their parenting. At C. Ed Massey & Associates, PLLC, our family law attorneys understand these concerns and will help you find resolutions that meet your goals.
Experienced Custody Lawyers Serving Parents In Kentucky
As a parent involved in a child custody or visitation case, you need to know your specific rights, which are based on the jurisdiction in which you live. In Kentucky, courts attempt to award equally shared (“50/50”) parenting time, while Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin courts consider parent visitation agreements that can take different forms. Our lawyers not only help clients find solutions that comply with state-specific custody laws but also fight for solutions that are in the child’s best interests. Our firm provides practical, effective representation when the following issues come into play:
- Temporary custody during a divorce
- Questions about shared custody and sole custody
- Visitation schedules
- Disputes and litigation related to custody
- Modification of custody orders
- The relationship between custody and child support
Every custody case is different, which is why it’s important to get legal advice tailored to your needs and unique situation.
How Is Child Custody Determined In Kentucky?
In Kentucky, child custody is based on the child’s best interests. The court may review each parent’s bond with the child, the child’s home and school life, each parent’s work schedule, the need for a stable routine and any safety concerns. Kentucky law also starts with a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and equal shared parenting time are in the child’s best interests, but that rule does not mean each case ends with the same plan.
A judge can hear proof and decide whether a different order would better meet the child’s needs. The child’s wishes may also be considered when the child is old enough to give a mature and reasoned preference.
What Is the Difference Between Physical And Legal Custody?
Physical custody deals with where the child lives and how time is shared. It covers weekdays, weekends, school breaks, holidays, travel and daily care.
Legal custody deals with the right to make major decisions for the child, which may involve school, health care, religion and other serious parts of the child’s life. These two forms of custody can work together, but they are not the same. A parent may share legal custody even when the child spends more nights with the other parent. A clear order should explain both time-sharing and decision-making authority, so each parent knows what the plan allows.
Are Mothers Favored Over Fathers In Kentucky Custody Cases?
No. Kentucky courts do not favor mothers over fathers in custody cases. The court’s main concern is the child’s best interests, with a focus on keeping both parents involved when that is safe and workable.
A mother’s role may still matter if she has handled much of the child’s daily care, school needs, doctor visits or emotional support, and the same is true for a father who has been closely involved in those parts of the child’s life. The court should look at each parent’s actual involvement, not gender alone.
Discuss Your Custody Matter With An Erlanger Family Law Attorney
Contact C. Ed Massey & Associates, PLLC, at 859-905-0936 in Erlanger to arrange a free initial consultation. During this time, feel free to discuss the details of your case so we can start developing a strategy that makes sense for you, your child and your family.