Jennings Child Custody Lawyer

Expert Jennings Child Custody Attorney

Parents who are divorcing or separating are often concerned about their children’s living arrangements, how significant choices may be handled, and what Louisiana judges look at when deciding what is most beneficial for a child. At Godley Law Firm, a Jennings child custody lawyer can explain Louisiana’s child custody laws, legal process, and the factors that could impact your custody case. We are here to advocate for your family’s well-being.

About Godley Law Firm

Godley Law Firm advocates for individuals and families in southwest Louisiana. We handle family law issues, including disputes concerning child custody. William L. Godley is an attorney with over 25 years of legal experience. In addition to his legal background, Mr. Godley worked as a professional musician for over ten years. His time as a musician helped shape the practical and thoughtful style he applies to his family law practice now.

Attorney Godley’s understanding of divorce is shaped by his professional experience, his own childhood as the child of divorced parents, and his personal experience as a spouse. He understands many of the difficulties that families face during child custody disputes. Godley Law Firm works with clients who have child custody cases in the 31st Judicial District Court in Jennings, LA.

Understanding Child Custody in Louisiana

Judges make custody decisions based on what they believe is in the best interest of the child. The judge typically does not simply ask each parent where the child should live. Instead, judges examine the facts of each case and consider many factors established by statute when issuing a custody order. These factors may include:

• Each parent’s relationship with the child
• Each parent’s ability to care for the child
• The stability of each parent’s home environment
• Each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent

The court may also take into consideration any situations that may jeopardize the child’s safety and security, such as any instances of domestic violence, substance abuse, and neglect. Each situation is unique, and the outcome depends on the circumstances of the case.

Types of Child Custody in Louisiana

Louisiana has a marriage rate of 3.7 and a divorce rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, 54.9% of live births were to unmarried mothers in 2023, highlighting the need for appropriate and healthy child custody plans. Louisiana has different types of custody, and courts can combine types of custody to accommodate the needs of individual families. The two types of custody are:

• Legal custody. Legal custody allows a parent to make decisions about the child’s education, medical care, religious upbringing, and overall welfare. Parents can share legal responsibility jointly, or one parent can have sole legal custody of the child.
• Physical custody. Physical custody refers to where the child is to primarily reside. This helps set the parenting time schedule. Judges establish custody schedules according to the child’s best interests and the family’s unique circumstances. This means that the child may not spend equal time at both residences if it is not deemed to be the most beneficial plan.

Many custody orders feature joint legal custody with a parenting schedule that allows one parent to spend more time with the child. The facts surrounding each custody case are unique, and judges base decisions on the information provided to the court.

Modifying a Child Custody Order

Parents can ask the court to modify a custody order when life circumstances change. Typically, the parent who wants to make a change to the custody order must prove that the modification is lawful and supports the child’s best interests. Common reasons for requesting a modification include:

• The relocation of a parent
• The child’s needs changing
• The medical needs of the parent and/or child
• A change in the parent’s work schedule
• Repeated violations of the custody order
• The child’s safety being at risk

Even if the life change has already taken effect when a modification is requested, parents must adhere to the order in place until a judge grants a modification. It is recommended that you hire a child custody lawyer if you need help with a child custody modification.

FAQs

Can Parents Create Their Own Custody Agreement?

Yes, parents can create their own custody agreement. Parents can agree on how they want to divide legal custody, physical custody, parenting time, holidays, and decision-making. They generally will have to seek court approval with a consent judgment first, however. A judge needs to review the plan to make sure it meets the child’s best interests prior to entering it as a court order.

What if One Parent Violates the Custody Order?

When a parent disobeys a custody order, the other parent can request that the court enforce the order with a Rule for Contempt. After considering the situation, the court may order compliance, change the terms of the order, sanction the offending party, require the offending party to pay legal fees, or take other action allowed under Louisiana law. As a general rule, a parent should not deviate from the existing custody order until it has been changed by the court.

Are Custody Hearings Open to the Public?

Custody hearings may not be open to the public, depending on the circumstances. Family court proceedings are often treated differently than other civil cases because children are involved. Although practice may vary from court to court, judges have the ability to close records or proceedings to the public to better protect the child and family’s privacy. Documents filed in court that concern minors may also be confidential.

Can Child Custody Decisions Affect Child Support Orders?

Yes, child custody decisions can affect child support orders. Custody and child support are two different legal issues. However, how much time each parent spends with the child(ren) can influence the support calculation. Courts look at many factors when deciding on child support. Some of these factors include income/assets, custody decisions, and more. Custody changes can potentially require a modification of a current child support order.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

If you have questions regarding child custody, a Jennings child custody attorney at Godley Law Firm can help you understand your options. Contact us today for a consultation.

Jennings Child Custody Lawyer Reviews