Child Custody
Knowledgeable Child Custody Lawyer Serving Ogden, UT
Regardless of whether you are divorced or were never married, determining child custody is a complex legal process that requires parents to put the needs of their children first. At Richards & Richards Law Firm, PLLC, our child custody lawyer serving Ogden, UT parents can help you navigate this emotionally challenging and legally complex process. As local lawyers, we have depth and breadth of knowledge about the state’s family court system, providing you with peace of mind that we will advocate for the best outcome for your child custody case. Learn more, then contact us to schedule your consultation.
Should I Hire a Child Custody Attorney?
Every parent has the right to represent themselves. However, hiring an experienced child custody attorney gives you the best chance to achieve the ideal outcomes for your case. Utah’s child custody laws and processes are complex, and mistakes can have long-term consequences, even if you have the best of intentions. Discover the most significant benefits of professional guidance:
- Build a Sound Legal Strategy – Every custody case decision is based on what is determined to be in the children’s best interests. We can help you build a compelling narrative highlighting your strengths as a parent and how your child’s well-being would be best served under your care.
- Process Management – Child custody cases involve a significant amount of paperwork that needs to be filed promptly. Deadlines can be missed if you’re trying to balance work, family, and other responsibilities.
- Courtroom Advocacy – If your case goes to a hearing, having a lawyer is critical for success. We know how to present evidence effectively and make persuasive legal arguments to the judge.
- Custody Order Modifications – Major life changes may require custody modifications, which can be complex. If your spouse doesn’t follow a court order, we can file a motion to summon them to the court to explain their actions.
What Is Sole Custody?
Sole custody is a legal arrangement in which one parent is responsible for making important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious practices. The other parent may still have visitation rights, but doesn’t have any influence on decisions about the child’s life.
What Is Joint Custody?
Joint custody is an arrangement where both parents are responsible for making important decisions about their child’s life. Both joint physical custody, where the child spends time living with each parent, and joint legal custody, where decision-making authority is shared regardless of the child’s primary residence, are examples of joint custody arrangements.
What Is a Non-Custodial Parent?
A non-custodial parent is the parent who does not have primary physical custody of the child. While the child may not live with them full-time, they often retain visitation rights and may still play a significant role in the child’s life, depending on the custody arrangement.
What Is Chain of Custody?
Chain of custody is the process by which documentation and evidence are handled to maintain their integrity during a case. While commonly associated with criminal cases, it can also apply in family law when evidence is required to support claims, such as custody evaluations or documentation of abuse.
What Is Protective Custody?
If a child is at risk, a protective custody order may be requested to help keep them safe.
How to File for Emergency Custody
Emergency custody is a legal action requesting an immediate, temporary change to a custody order for specific emergencies, including if the child is at risk of danger or injury. Our custody rights attorney will file a petition and include key evidence, including police reports, documentation, or affidavits, to ensure your child is safe.
How to File for Custody
Before filing, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation completed and ready, including your parenting plan and calculated child support. Filing for custody involves petitioning the family court in your jurisdiction. You must then serve the other parent the custody papers within 120 days. The child custody lawyers at Richards & Richards Law Firm, PLLC can work with you to ensure your case is presented effectively.
Experienced Child Custody Lawyers Working for You
Family law matters, especially child custody cases, involve a lot of emotions, making them difficult to navigate, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Utah’s complex child custody process. At Richards & Richards Law Firm, PLLC, our skilled and experienced child custody lawyers in Ogden can provide thoughtful guidance and personalized legal planning for your petition. We’ll handle each step with expertise so that you can focus on your family. Contact us today to speak with a legal team member and schedule a legal consultation.