We are aggressive in regard to child custody cases. In certain instances, this involves the taking of depositions of various parties, working with health and/or behavioral specialists, background checks and investigations, depending upon the facts and circumstances of the case, presentations and argument to the Court regarding the best interests of the child, and working with mediators and/or guardian ad litems regarding issues. We are often asked by clients to provide representation relating to modification of custody, including when there has been a change in circumstances that substantially affects the best interests of the child or children. In those situations, attention is given to the actions of the parents, and/or the circumstances of the child or children, and the Court can take into consideration factors in determining how custody may be modified in the best interests of the child or children.
The older the child or children, the more likely the Court may take into consideration the wishes of the child or children in regard to who the child or children believe should have custody, or the type of custody, and/or visitation that the parents should have. Just as the mother-child relationship has always been viewed as important to a child's upbringing, a father-child relationship is just as important. In regard to the well-being of the children, if parents divorce, the mother-child relationship and the father-child relationship , to the extent possible, should weigh heavily in regard to issues concerning the best interests of the children, the type of custody, the nature and extent of visitation and other issues that directly or indirectly affect the children and their parents.
