Little Rock Child Custody Lawyers
If you’re a resident of Little Rock, AR, and currently dealing with a legal separation, you may also face a child custody case in the near future. Unfortunately, child custody cases often involve a lot of conflict and difficulty.
Having a team of experienced child custody lawyers in Little Rock at your side can help. At WH Law, our team has years of experience helping individuals and families through tough family law cases. We know how complicated these cases can be, which is why we support you every step of the way.
However, our Little Rock child custody lawyers also remain alert and focused on your case. We’ll help you navigate the difficulties of the child custody process. We’ll also help you with related legal areas, like visitation and child support.
At WH Law, it is vital to us that you keep a strong relationship with your children. Our child custody and visitation lawyers will do everything we can to ensure you are able to spend time with those most precious to you.
After representing numerous child custody cases, our team is capable and prepared. Let us help you get the best verdict possible for you and your loved ones.
Contact us today to get started.
To learn more details about child custody cases, continue reading the sections below.
What is Child Custody?
Custody is a key aspect of our most important right — to be a parent in our child’s life. It’s also a very specific legal term that varies from one jurisdiction to the next. It can also include several subtle differences. For example, the difference between “legal” and “physical” custody. Here’s everything you need to know:
In family law, “Custody” is a parent’s legal right and responsibility to care for and make decisions on behalf of their child. It primarily involves the child’s day-to-day care and living arrangements. Custody also includes giving authority to one or both parents over major decisions regarding their child’s welfare.
Another related term to remember is guardianship. This refers to an individual other than the parent who is court-appointed to be responsible for a child. The guardian is often a relative or friend of the family who takes care of a child when their parents are no longer able to.
The legal concept of custody centers on what is in the best interest of the child. The parents’ rights and responsibilities follow. In any case, our team of child custody Lawyers in Little Rock, AR, will do everything to protect the interests of your child and you, no matter what.
To explore the subject further, the state of Arkansas also has two types of custody to remember:
Legal Custody
Legal custody is the right of a parent to make important decisions on behalf of their child. This includes decisions regarding their child’s education, religious upbringing, medical care, and extracurricular activities.
Physical Custody
Physical custody is simply where a child will live. In some cases, one parent may have primary physical custody while the other parent has visitation rights.
In other cases, parents may share joint physical custody of their child. That means that their child spends an equal amount of time living with each parent.
Each case can involve a different level of legal and physical custody for each parent. No matter what, WH Law will be there to ensure you earn the full level of custody you deserve.
What Are The Different Types of Child Custody?
In Arkansas, there are three specific types of child custody: sole custody, joint custody, and shared custody. Each differs, but they’re all very important to remember in your child custody case.
Sole Custody
Often, this is also called sole physical custody. This means that only one parent has both legal and physical custody of a child. The other parent may have visitation rights but will not have any authority over major decisions in the child’s life.
Joint Custody
Joint custody means both parents have a say in major decisions about the child’s life. However, one parent may have primary physical custody of the child, while the other parent has visitation rights.
Something important to note: As of 2021, joint custody in Arkansas law is considered the default form of custody in family law cases. This new law can lead to extra litigation, especially in cases where one parent views joint custody as against the best interest of their child or children.
Joint Legal Custody
Shared custody means that both parents have equal legal and physical custody of the child. This arrangement can be logistically challenging, but it often works well for families who live close to each other.
How Does The Court Determine Child Custody?
The court will always base its custody determination on the child’s best interests. When making this determination, the court will consider a variety of factors, including:
- The child’s age
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs
- Each parent’s work schedule
- Each parent’s criminal history (if any)
- Each parent’s history of drug or alcohol abuse (if any)
- Any other factors that the court deems relevant
It is important to note that the court will often not consider the child’s preference when determining custody. However, if the child is old enough, the court may consider the child’s wishes when making its decision.
How Can a Child Custody Lawyer Help?
The child custody process is often stressful and challenging. If you are going through a divorce or a child custody battle, you should have a group of experienced Little Rock child custody lawyers to support you.
An experienced attorney from WH Law will help you get through the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests. Our attorneys will also help you understand the factors of your case and work our hardest to ensure a positive outcome for you and your loved ones.
If you are going through a child custody battle, do not hesitate to contact WH Law for help. Our experienced child custody Lawyers in Little Rock are here to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests. Call us today at (501) 263-2398 to get the legal help you deserve.
