CHILD CUSTODY
CHILD CUSTODY SERVICES
Expert Child Custody Representation
When it comes to divorce or separation or even having a child together outside of marriage, determining child custody is crucial. For those facing custody disputes, having a reliable attorney to advocate for your family's best interests is essential. At Rachel D. Wortham, Attorney at Law, she has decades of experience fighting for the rights of Louisiana’s children. If you need guidance, reach out to schedule a consultation. We are committed to supporting families in Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, Webster Parish and the surrounding areas.
Contact Rachel D. Wortham today by calling 318-748-2323 or reach out online for a personalized consultation.
Contact Rachel D. Wortham today by calling 318-748-2323 or reach out online for a personalized consultation.
Best Interest of the Child
If an agreement cannot be reached for custody between the parents or it is determined to not be in the best interest of the child, the courts will make decisions based on the child's best interests, considering several factors:
These factors help guide custody decisions, always prioritizing the child's well-being.
- The potential for the child to be abused, as defined by Children's Code Article 603, which shall be the primary consideration.
- The love, affection, and other emotional ties between each party and the child.
- The capacity and disposition of each party to give the child love, affection, and spiritual guidance and to continue the education and rearing of the child.
- The capacity and disposition of each party to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other material needs.
- The length of time the child has lived in a stable, adequate environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity of that environment.
- The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.
- The moral fitness of each party, insofar as it affects the welfare of the child.
- The history of substance abuse, violence, or criminal activity of any party.
- The mental and physical health of each party. Evidence that an abused parent suffers from the effects of past abuse by the other parent shall not be grounds for denying that parent custody.
- The home, school, and community history of the child.
- The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference.
- The willingness and ability of each party to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other party, except when objectively substantial evidence of specific abusive, reckless, or illegal conduct has caused one party to have reasonable concerns for the child's safety or well-being while in the care of the other party.
- The distance between the respective residences of the parties.
- The responsibility for the care and rearing of the child previously exercised by each party.
These factors help guide custody decisions, always prioritizing the child's well-being.
Protecting Your Child's Best Interest
Physical custody should be shared between both parents unless there is good cause shown otherwise. Joint custody obligates the parents to exchange information concerning the health, education and welfare of the child and to confer with each other in decision making authority. A Joint Custody Implementation Plan should be rendered and should allocate the periods of time each parent will have physical custody of the child
Relocation
If you want to move within the State of Louisiana or outside of the State with the minor child, then there are relocation statutes that must be followed, and you should contact an experienced attorney before any such move.
Our experienced attorney stays current on family law and custody matters to ensure effective representation. Each case is thoroughly assessed to develop a strategic plan focused on achieving the best possible outcome. We understand the emotional challenges of custody disputes and provide compassionate support, combining empathy with vigorous advocacy to guide you through this difficult time.
If you are facing a custody dispute, having experienced legal support is essential. Our child custody attorney is here to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights. To schedule a consultation with Rachel D. Wortham, call 318-748-2323 today or reach out online.
Please note that this summary is not intended to provide an exhaustive discussion of the law of custody in Louisiana, but it does include essential information and provisions.
Our experienced attorney stays current on family law and custody matters to ensure effective representation. Each case is thoroughly assessed to develop a strategic plan focused on achieving the best possible outcome. We understand the emotional challenges of custody disputes and provide compassionate support, combining empathy with vigorous advocacy to guide you through this difficult time.
If you are facing a custody dispute, having experienced legal support is essential. Our child custody attorney is here to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights. To schedule a consultation with Rachel D. Wortham, call 318-748-2323 today or reach out online.
Please note that this summary is not intended to provide an exhaustive discussion of the law of custody in Louisiana, but it does include essential information and provisions.
