Andover Child Custody Disputes Attorney

At Turco Legal, our Andover child custody disputes lawyer is an experienced, effective advocate for clients. When our firm takes on a custody or visitation case, we always work hand-in-hand with our clients to develop a strategy that works best for their situation. If you have any questions about a child visitation dispute, professional guidance is just a phone call away. Contact us today to arrange a fully confidential, no-obligation consultation with a Massachusetts child custody lawyer.

An Overview of the Child Custody Laws in Massachusetts

Are you a parent who is in the midst of a divorce or separation in Essex County? You need to be prepared to navigate your custody case. Custody and visitation issues are primarily regulated by state law. Here are some of the most notable things to understand about custody in Massachusetts.

• Custody Is Split into Two Categories (Physical and Legal): When you hear the term “child custody” used in Massachusetts, it refers to two separate concepts. The first is physical custody. A parent with physical custody has possession of the child. Parents may have shared physical custody or one parent may have primary physical custody. The second concept is legal custody. Legal custody refers to parental rights and responsibilities in the form of decision-making authority. Legal custody may be sole or shared.

• Massachusetts Favors Some Form of Joint Custody: Although sole legal and physical custody can certainly be granted in Massachusetts, it is useful to know that the state strongly presumes shared custody is in the best interests of the child. In any child custody dispute, a court will start from the premise that shared parenting is appropriate. A parent seeking sole custody should be prepared to prove that it is proper and necessary.

• Massachusetts Uses the Best Interests of the Child Standard: What is best for the child always comes first in Massachusetts. Under state law (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208 § 31), custody disputes and visitation disputes are resolved under the best interests of the child’s legal standard. What is best for a child’s health, emotional well-being, and long-term social development will determine custody and visitation. Parental desires are secondary.

• Very Limited Rights for Non-Parents: Parental rights are strong in Massachusetts. A non-parent generally cannot claim custody directly. However, a non-parent may be entitled to petition for and receive court-protected visitation with a child in some limited circumstances. As an example, a grandparent who raised and developed a strong relationship with a child may have a right to visitation if that visitation is in the child’s best interests.

Amicable Solutions Can Still Be Reached in Some Difficult Child Custody Cases

When you are going through a difficult child custody/child visitation dispute, it can often feel like there is no path forward. These cases are hard on people. Still, many parents have found that amicable solutions can be achieved even in very difficult custody cases. Our Andover family law team always starts by considering options for collaborative problem-solving.

Further, Massachusetts courts look far more favorably upon parents who make a good-faith effort to cooperate. Turco Legal is also a trial-tested, courtroom-proven family law firm. Not all custody disputes can be settled. We are always ready to take aggressive legal action to protect your rights and your family.

The Andover Family Attorneys at Turco Legal Have Extensive Experience with Custody Disputes

Going through a child custody dispute is never easy. It can put a lot of stress and pressure on you, your children, and your family. You do not have to do everything on your own. At Turco Legal, we have substantial experience handling complex and difficult child custody cases. We are proactive and solutions-oriented. Our Andover, MA custody and visitation dispute attorneys will:

• Listen to your story and learn about the key details of your case;
• Answer questions about the child custody process and explain the next steps;
• Investigate the matter, gathering the evidence you need to support your case;
• Represent you in custody settlement negotiations with your co-parent; and,
• Advocate for your best interests in a child custody hearing.

Get Help from Our Andover, MA Child Custody Attorney Today

At Turco Legal, our Andover child custody lawyers are experienced, attentive, and future-focused advocates for parents and families. Contact us at (978) 225-9030 to set up your fully private initial legal consultation with an experienced family law attorney. With a law office in Andover, we handle custody cases in Essex County and throughout northeastern Massachusetts.