Auburn Child Custody Lawyers Helping You Protect What Matters Most
When facing divorce or separation, nothing causes more anxiety than thinking about what happens to your children. Many concerns can come up: How often will you see your children? What will happen to your relationship with them, as well as their relationship with their other parent? How can you make sure their lives and routines continue with as much stability as possible?
At Akridge & Balch, P.C., we know how personal these concerns are. Whether you’re just about to begin the custody process, looking to modify an existing agreement or facing issues with your current custody agreement, our attorneys can help. We guide families in Auburn and Lee County through this complicated process, taking the time to understand their needs and finding ways to ensure each family member’s best interests.
By working with us, you gain dedicated advocates who can help you understand Alabama custody laws and work toward arrangements that serve your family’s needs.
Know The Factors Considered By Alabama Courts
When parents separate, courts make custody decisions based on what’s best for the child. The judge looks at various factors to determine the right arrangement, including:
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
- The child’s relationship with both parents
- The child’s connection to their school and community
- Each parent’s physical and mental health
- Any safety concerns that might affect the child
- The child’s wishes, depending on their maturity level
Alabama law recognizes two types of custody. The first is legal custody, which gives a parent the right to make important decisions about their child’s upbringing. These choices include where the kids go to school, what doctors they see and how they practice their faith. The second type is physical custody, which determines where the child lives and which parent provides day-to-day care and supervision.
For both types of custody, the court can award either joint or sole arrangements. However, Alabama courts typically favor joint custody arrangements when possible. They believe children benefit from maintaining relationships with both parents, assuming they can work together and the arrangement serves the child’s best interests.
Creating And Enforcing Parenting Time Schedules
After the court decides on custody, parents need a clear schedule for spending time with their children. Following this schedule isn’t optional. When parents don’t follow these arrangements, they could face serious consequences, including fines, makeup parenting time or even contempt of court charges.
A proper parenting schedule should cover these important points:
- Regular weekday and weekend visits
- Holiday rotations
- Summer breaks and school vacations
- Special occasions like birthdays
- Transportation responsibilities
- Makeup time for missed visits
- Communication methods between parents
We help parents create schedules that work for everyone while keeping their children’s routines stable. If your co-parent regularly violates the schedule by showing up late, missing visits or denying your time with the children, we can help you take legal action to enforce your rights. The court takes these violations seriously and can order various remedies, from adjusting the schedule to changing custody arrangements in severe cases.
Modifying A Custody Order
Life changes, and sometimes, your custody order needs to change, too. If there are significant changes in circumstances, the court can modify custody arrangements to fit new situations.
The most common reason parents ask for custody modifications is when one parent wants to relocate. Before allowing a relocation that affects custody, courts look at the following:
- How close the child is to each parent and other family members
- How the relocation might affect the child’s school and daily life
- How far the move is and what it means for visits
- Ways to help the child stay in touch with both parents
- What the child wants (if they’re old enough)
- If the move will make life better for the child
- The reasons for relocation
- Any safety concerns for the child
If the court allows the move, they will make sure the child can still see and talk to both parents regularly. They’ll also decide how to split travel costs fairly. At Akridge & Balch, P.C., we will help you understand and navigate these changes while protecting your children’s best interests.
Protect Your Relationship With Your Children: Contact Us Today
At Akridge & Balch, P.C., we understand that nothing matters more than your children. Child custody decisions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. We can help you protect what matters most – your relationship with your children.
Our Auburn child custody attorneys will take the time to listen to your concerns, clearly explain your rights and help you explore all your options. Let’s talk about how we can help you create a better future for your family. Call us at 334-246-4697 or send us your inquiries through this online form.