Boston Child Custody Lawyer
Navigating child custody decisions can be one of the most challenging aspects of divorce. At Turco Legal, P.C., we recognize that every family’s situation is unique, and we work closely with our clients to develop custody arrangements that serve their children’s best interests. Our experienced Boston child custody lawyers provide thoughtful guidance and strategic advocacy to help parents establish plans that work for their families.
Legal and Physical Custody
Massachusetts law categorizes custody into two types: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody grants a parent the authority to make significant decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, including healthcare, education, and religious affiliation. Physical custody determines where the child resides and who is responsible for day-to-day care.
Custody arrangements can be shared or granted solely to one parent, depending on what best supports the child’s well-being. When disputes arise, courts consider a variety of factors to ensure custody decisions reflect the child’s needs and stability.
Parenting Plans
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts encourages both parents to maintain active roles in their children’s lives, but the way this is structured varies by family. A parenting plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their child. These agreements address not only physical and legal custody but also parenting schedules, communication protocols, and contingency plans for common challenges.
A well-crafted parenting plan should:
Specify pick-up and drop-off arrangements for parenting time.
Outline procedures for handling a child’s illness.
Establish communication expectations between parents.
Allocate time for special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays.
At Turco Legal, we help clients draft clear, practical parenting plans designed to minimize future conflicts and promote stability for their children.
The Legal Standard: Child’s Best Interests
Parents can always come up with a parenting plan together. Often, this is the ideal approach because no one knows your schedule or life better than you do. When parents create their own plan, they often feel more invested in it.
Unfortunately, agreement isn’t always possible, even for couples who still get along. Instead, a judge might need to make custody determinations. In deciding how to divide custody, a judge will consider certain factors, such as:
The child’s age, needs, and preferences (when appropriate).
Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, supportive environment.
The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.
The history of each parent’s involvement in caregiving.
Any evidence of domestic violence, substance abuse, or other concerns affecting parental fitness.
While no single factor dictates the outcome, the overriding goal is to ensure the child’s emotional and physical well-being.
Building Your Case for Custody
For parents seeking custody, demonstrating a meaningful, positive relationship with their child is essential. Courts look for tangible evidence of parental involvement, from attending school events to participating in daily routines.
For those with demanding careers, maintaining strong connections may require creative solutions. Our attorneys work with clients to present compelling custody cases that highlight their commitment to their children’s well-being.
Consult a Boston Child Custody Lawyer
Even in amicable situations, navigating custody matters requires careful planning and legal insight. At Turco Legal, we provide the support and advocacy parents need to protect their relationships with their children. Contact us at (617) 657-4878 to schedule a consultation and discuss your custody goals.