Child Custody Overview

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Questions of custody usually first arise when a divorcing couple with children finally decides to separate. While some couples immediately reach an agreement for either short or long-term custody arrangements, others require court intervention for an intermediate or final decision. Custody is addressed throughout the divorce process in the following procedures:

Temporary Hearing: Shortly after the initial papers are filed seeking termination of a marriage, the family court will hold a temporary hearing and then issue an order that controls the relationship of the parties until there is a final Divorce Decree. When custody is contested, the order creates a temporary custody solution. Unless there is evidence that doing so would not be in the best interest of the child, temporary custody is typically granted to the person who stays in the marital home. Temporary custody orders should have no bearing on which party will ultimately be awarded permanent custody. However, depending on the circumstances, the temporary custody order may indicate which parent the court thinks is the more suitable.

Custody and Mandatory Mediation: Most states now require parties in a contested divorce to attempt mediation. Mediation is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process where divorcing couples work with a specially trained neutral third party to try and resolve some or all of their disagreements. Couples may choose to reach mediated agreements on issues like child custody while keeping other issues like property division open for a judge to decide. Couples who resolve their custody disputes through mediation can include a provision in their final divorce agreement that make the mediation process mandatory to return to as a means of resolving future custody and visitation disputes.

Custody Evaluations: If the parties are unable to reach an agreement regarding custody, most courts will order a custody evaluation prior to trial. A court appointed mental health professional such as a psychologist or a social worker usually does the custody evaluation. The evaluation will include interviews with both parents and the involved children, observation of the children, conversations with teachers and possible psychological testing of both parents and the child. It usually takes four to six weeks to conclude a custody evaluation and courts will usually not enter a final determination without a completed evaluation.

Custody Trial: Every state has statutes and procedures for the legal resolution of disputed child custody. While specific statutory standards differ from state to state, most courts decide contested custody cases based upon a determination of what arrangement is in the best interest of the child. Considerations that go into a best interest determination may include review of the child's age and attachment to the parent that has been the primary caretaker, parental physical and mental health, any history of domestic violence and the child's wishes depending upon the age of the child and the motivation for the preference.

Modifications

Once custody has been established either through agreement or court order, parents may seek court involvement to modify the established arrangement if they cannot agree to a change. In order to support a request for a change the parent seeking the modification must show a substantial change in circumstances. Some states will only consider a request for modification within two years of an original custody determination if there is a showing that the child is endangered by the ordered custody arrangement. Additionally, states that follow the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act will only consider requests for modifications if they occur in the state where a child has an established residence in order to prevent forum shopping and custody motivated child removals. Courts give modification requests motivated by the relocation of one parent special consideration.

Conclusion

The resolution of child custody and visitation disputes requires divorcing parents to act rationally in their child's best interest at a time when they are facing the overwhelming stress of divorce. Early involvement by a family law attorney with knowledge and experience of your state's child custody laws will help. Advice from an experienced family law attorney will help you understand the options available to you in your particular situation and make a plan that will serve the best interests of you and your children.

Call or email South Bend criminal defense attorney and family law lawyer Tony Zirkle for a prompt, personal response and to schedule a free phone consultation.

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