Merrimack Valley Lawyer for Child Custody and Visitation
Children are the most important factor in all aspects of life because they are the future. At the Greater Lowell area Law Office of John K. Leslie, P.C., we always keep this in mind. When we represent parents in matters of child custody and parenting time (commonly called visitation), we counsel them to find legal solutions that take their child's needs into account.
Our Chelmsford law firm offers highly qualified legal representation in a wide range of child custody matters. We represent divorcing parents who want to find child custody solutions that work. We also represent nontraditional families in matters of child custody, finding special success in complex issues where the law is not yet fully developed. When a child custody order must be modified or enforced, we can also offer effective representation.
Determining Child Custody
Our law firm strives to give our clients practical legal advice about child custody, helping them structure solutions that really work. We often tell parents that, in a divorce, child custody is usually determined according to the best interests of the child. The law strives to place fathers and mothers on equal footing when it comes to child custody and visitation.
Massachusetts courts recognize two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody is the ability to make major decisions in your child's life, like what school he or she will attend, what church and whether or not he or she will receive elective surgery. Physical custody is where the child will reside.
Enforcing or Modifying Child Custody
Family circumstances change. Sometimes a parent remarries. Other times a move is necessary or a parent misbehaves. Children's needs change as well. In these cases, modification of a child custody order is often necessary. We can help. Our law firm has had a great deal of success in achieving results for families who need child custody orders enforced or modified.
When a Parent Plans to Move Out of State
Existing child custody orders are a serious legal issue when one parent wants to move out of state. The court's permission is necessary, or the moving parent could face serious legal consequences. So, if you or the other parent is considering a move, talk with us as soon as possible about the necessary legal steps to take under Massachusetts law.
Contact the Law Office of John K. Leslie, P.C.
To talk with an attorney about your child custody and visitation concerns, contact our Chelmsford, Massachusetts, law office at 978-934-9100. In many cases, an initial 30-minute consultation is offered at no charge. We accept most major credit cards.
