DeRidder Child Custody Lawyer

DeRidder Child Custody Attorney

Navigating a child custody case can be difficult. When you cannot find common ground with your child’s other parent, it can seem like you’ll never reach a resolution. The truth is, thousands of families have gone through the same thing, and they were able to come to an agreement with the help of a DeRidder child custody lawyer.

A Seasoned and Knowledgeable DeRidder Child Custody Lawyer

Godley Law Firm has helped countless parents navigate their custody battles in DeRidder, where 37% of households have children. In many of the child custody cases we’ve represented, parents who otherwise couldn’t agree on custody terms resolved their disputes. Whether through mediation, lawyer-assisted negotiations, or an all-out trial, over the past 25 years, our legal team has developed and refined the skills necessary to find common ground for parents. We care about our clients, and it makes a difference.

Louisiana Child Custody Laws

Louisiana courts determine child custody when parents can’t agree or when there is a need to remove a child from parental custody. These decisions are not made lightly. Louisiana Civil Code Article 134 defines 14 factors that courts consider when determining custody. These factors are all intended to determine custody of a child based on that child’s interest. Some of these are listed here:

• The love and emotional connection a child has with each parent
• The ability of each parent to provide for the needs of the child, including food, clothing, and medical needs
• The moral fitness of each parent as it affects the child’s well-being
• A history of substance abuse or alcohol abuse
• The child’s preference under reasonable circumstances
• Whether there is a family history of domestic violence and/or abuse
• The established home and community of a child
• The distance between the two parents’ residences and the ability and willingness of one parent to take the child to visit their other parent

Child custody cases, whether part of a divorce or stand-alone, are held in the 36th Judicial District Court of Beauregard Parish. This court operates both online via Zoom video conference and in person at 200 West Second Street, DeRidder. Your attorney can help you set up a schedule that works for you and the court.

Can a DeRidder Child Custody Attorney Help With Parental Alienation?

You may especially need to hire a child custody lawyer if the other parent of your child is not playing by the rules. Sometimes one parent becomes so desperate to win, just out of spite for their child’s other parent, and no regard for the child’s interest. They may slander the other parent, fabricate lies, or distort the truth in order to sway the court’s opinion. They may even try to turn the child against their other parent.

When this occurs in a family, it is often referred to as parental alienation. It is a serious, emotionally devastating, and traumatizing behavior on the part of the alienating parent. Once the damage is done, it can be very hard to undo.

If you feel like your child’s other parent may be exhibiting any of the red flags defined below, a DeRidder child custody lawyer can help you fight back and preserve your relationship with your child. Here are some of the signs:

• The parent may not allow contact or interfere with parental visits by canceling visits, refusing to communicate, or withholding information regarding the child’s school and/or medical well-being.
• The alienating parent may speak poorly about the other parent or make false accusations to make their acts of alienation appear warranted. They may share personal details about the other parent, exaggerating the truth to paint them in a negative light and justify their own wrong behaviors.
• The alienating parent may force the child to take a side and pick one parent over the other, in which they always pick the parent who is alienating them, because the child is encouraged to believe the other parent is bad.
• A parent may even try to make their child afraid of their other parent, when in fact, they have no intention of being dangerous or harmful whatsoever. They may even manipulate the child by reforging their memories and fabricating negative stories about the other parent in experiences that were otherwise positive.

According to a study conducted by the US Department of Justice, 26% of the custody cases represented in the study were reported to have involved parental alienation. Parental alienation is a form of abuse, and the sooner it is stopped, the better.

Why Choose Us?

There are a few attributes that our clients repeatedly use to describe Godley Law Firm. These are honest, compassionate, and patient. Our family law firm was founded on these fundamentals, and they are evident in every case we handle. We are passionate about helping families, and regardless of how long it takes to uncover the truth, our steadfast approach remains unwavering. It is of the utmost importance to us that you get a resolution in your case and move forward with your life.

FAQs

How Much Do Custody Lawyers Cost in Louisiana?

The cost of custody lawyers in Louisiana can vary. More complex cases in which additional legwork or courtroom time is required may ultimately cost more. Child custody cases in which the parents agree on a parenting schedule or a simple child custody modification are generally less expensive. If you’re looking for a quote for legal services, contact your local Louisiana child custody lawyer. In DeRidder or the surrounding area, contact Godley Law Firm.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

The biggest mistake a parent can make in a custody battle is losing control of their emotions, especially in front of the judge, other vested professionals, or worse, their child. Losing your temper or speaking negatively about your case or your child’s other parent does not help anyone. In fact, it highlights whether the parent has prioritized their child’s interest and can harm the parent’s reputation. This ultimately could impact the court’s decision on custody.

Who Wins Most Child Custody Cases?

When two parents can come to an agreement in a child custody case, the real winner is the child. When one or both parents are argumentative or bitter, it creates general difficulty. In these cases, no one wins. Courts have moved away from favoring mothers over fathers in custody cases. Instead, they focus on determining what is optimal for the child, which ultimately means a responsible caregiver who takes care of their child.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in Louisiana?

In child custody cases in Louisiana, judges look for a responsible and stable environment for a child where they can get the care and love they need. A judge tends to look favorably on parents who make an effort to get along. The court generally does not think highly of parents who cause conflict and can’t compromise for the sake of their child. When determining custody, a judge seeks a suitable role model and provider for the child.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer Who Makes a Difference

The Godley Law Firm is distinct from other DeRidder child custody lawyers. In our community of approximately 9,400 residents, we stand up for one another. Contact our office to schedule an appointment for a consultation because child custody is too important to take chances on.