Newburyport Child Custody Disputes Attorney

Turco Legal’s Newburyport child custody lawyers dedicate themselves to being knowledgeable advocates with a deep understanding of family law. We have significant experience navigating complex child custody matters and are well-equipped to guide you through every step of your case. If you are facing a child custody dispute, we’re here to offer thoughtful, professional support. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Massachusetts family law attorney, please reach out to our Newburyport office.

Understanding Child Custody Laws in Massachusetts

Child custody can be a challenging and emotionally charged issue. In Massachusetts, parents and other concerned parties must stay informed about how state law addresses custody and visitation disputes. Below, we outline four key aspects of Massachusetts child custody law to consider when navigating a dispute.

• Massachusetts Divides Custody into Legal and Physical Components: Child custody has two components in Massachusetts—legal custody and physical custody. Parents best understand legal custody as their authority to make decisions. A parent with legal custody has decision-making power regarding key matters in the child’s life, such as health and education. Physical custody refers to where the child resides (i.e., with which parent).

• The Court Can Award Sole Custody or Shared Custody: Massachusetts may grant sole custody or joint custody. Notably, parents may share both legal and physical custody. Alternatively, one parent may be awarded primary physical custody while both parents share legal custody. It’s also possible for a judge to award one parent sole legal and sole physical custody of the party’s child. However, generally, Massachusetts probate and family courts strongly favor shared child custody.

• The Resolution of Disputes Hinges on What Is in the Best Interests of the Child: Under Massachusetts law (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208 § 31), any child custody dispute that goes to court will be evaluated and decided under the “best interests of the child” legal standard. In making its custody determination, the court will prefer the child custody arrangement it deems best for the health, emotional well-being, and physical safety of the child.

• Very Limited Rights for Non-Parents: Non-parents who are close to a child have very limited legal rights regarding custody in Massachusetts. Still, it is possible for a non-parent who has developed a proven, strong relationship with a child to petition the court for visitation. For example, a grandparent who lived with and provided care for a child for several years may be entitled to visitation rights.

Comprehensive Legal Support for Child Custody Disputes in Newburyport

At Turco Legal, we understand that each child custody case is unique. Our team is equipped to provide guidance and support through every stage of your dispute. Whether you are seeking a peaceful resolution or preparing for litigation, we offer comprehensive legal services tailored to your needs:

• Child Custody Dispute Mediation: Many custody disputes can be resolved in an amicable, relatively low-conflict manner. Our Newburyport child custody dispute lawyers represent parents who are looking to resolve their custody matters in a non-adversarial setting like mediation.

• Child Custody Dispute Litigation: We are a trial-tested family law firm with extensive experience litigating complex cases. While our child custody attorneys put an emphasis on amicable problem-solving, we are always ready to aggressively litigate your case.

Why Choose Newburyport, MA Child Custody Lawyers

If you are navigating a child custody dispute in Essex County, you may have many questions about the process. At Turco Legal, we are committed to providing clear, informed guidance to help you make the best decisions for your family. When you work with our team, you can expect:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of your child custody dispute;
• Gather the evidence and information to support your case;
• Evaluate all options for an amicable resolution (negotiation, mediation, etc.); and,
• Take your child custody dispute to court to protect your rights, if needed.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Our Newburyport family law attorneys are here to provide experienced guidance throughout your child custody dispute. If you are looking for professional support, contact us at (978) 225-9030 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation. From our Newburyport office, we represent clients in Essex County and throughout Eastern Massachusetts.