Below is a brief and very general description of Child Custody and Visitation.  This information is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.  Each family law case is driven by its particular circumstances and each case is different.  Because of these particularities, each client deserves and should expect to receive personal and straightforward guidance from their attorney.  As well, family law matters are often traumatic life events that require sensitivity and understanding.  It is this type of assistance I strive to provide my clients while working diligently and earnestly to achieve the best possible results.

The issue of child custody and visitation often arises after a divorce has been finalized, but may also occur for parents who have never been married.  Generally, problems present themselves when there has been a change in the circumstances of the parents or child, or one party is not compliant with a prior custody/visitation agreement.  A custody and visitation agreement, also known as a Joint Parenting Agreement, may have been previously agreed upon.  Frequently, there is no formal court approved agreement and the parents have simply been able to agree on custody and visitation issues in the past.  Now, years have passed and the children have new schedules with after school activities or a parent's work schedule has changed or a parent wants move.

New circumstances may require the revision of an existing Joint Parenting Agreement or the entry of a formal Joint Parenting Agreement to assist each parent guidelines for custody and visitation.  If one parent is no longer capable of parenting or it is in the child's best interest to reside with the other parent, it may be more appropriate to seek a change in custody.  When changes affecting the child occur or a change is sought by a parent, the specific facts of each case will dictate the remedies available to the parent seeking the change or relief.