Newton Child Custody Disputes Attorney

At Turco Legal, our Newton child custody disputes lawyers have the specialized professional skills, legal knowledge, and compassion to effectively handle complex cases. If you are going through a custody or visitation dispute in Middlesex County, we are here to protect your parental rights and help you find the best solution. To set up a completely confidential initial consultation with a top Massachusetts child custody attorney, please contact our Newton law office today.

Understanding Child Custody Laws in Massachusetts

If you are a parent who is getting divorced or separated in Newton, MA, you must understand how custody and visitation matters are handled under state law. Here are some of the key things to know about child custody cases in Massachusetts.

• Physical and Legal Custody is Distinct Concepts: There are two separate types of child custody in Massachusetts, namely physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody relates to where the child lives. Legal custody refers to a parent’s decision-making authority over a child. It is possible for one parent to be awarded primary physical custody while both parents share legal custody. Ultimately, every child custody case is different.

• Shared Parenting is Presumed Best: In Massachusetts, a parent can be awarded both sole physical custody and sole legal custody when that is deemed necessary and appropriate. However, Massachusetts probate and family courts presume that shared parenting—some form of split custody—is best for children. In most cases, joint (i.e., shared) custody, or at least joint legal custody, will be granted.

• Best Interests of the Child Comes First: Massachusetts is a “best interests of the child” jurisdiction (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208 § 31). This means that, in Massachusetts, the judge will determine what is in the best interests of the child when deciding all custody and visitation disputes. The judge will consider a wide range of factors—from each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment to any history of abuse or neglect—to figure out what type of custody and visitation arrangement is best. Our Newton child custody lawyers can help you navigate the “best interests of the child” legal standard.

• Non-Parents Have Few Rights: In Massachusetts, a child’s legal parents have the right to claim custody. Other close loved ones of the child have very limited legal rights. However, in some cases, it is possible for a non-parent to petition a Massachusetts probate and family court for legally guaranteed visitation rights. For example, a child’s grandparent who has been deeply involved in raising the child can try to seek court-protected visitation.

You May Be Able to Find an Amicable Solution to a Custody Dispute

Our Newton family law attorneys place a strong emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and amicable solutions in child custody disputes. Even if you are going through a difficult case with your co-parent, you may still be able to work out an agreement. It is always best to try to find a workable solution.

Massachusetts presumes shared co-parenting is best and looks more favorably upon parents who make a good-faith effort to cooperate. At the same time, our Newton custody dispute lawyers are trial-tested advocates for parents. We are ready to take aggressive legal action to protect you and your family when necessary and appropriate.

Parents Rely on Our Newton, MA Family Attorneys in Custody Disputes

Child custody and visitation disputes are among the most complex, sensitive legal matters. It is crucial that all custody cases are handled with personal attention and the highest level of care. At Turco Legal, we have experience in complex custody disputes. Our mission is to do what is best for you and your family. When you call our Newton law office, you will have an opportunity to work with a Newton child custody lawyer who will:

• Listen to your story and learn about the key details of your case;
• Answer any questions that you have about custody or visitation rights in Massachusetts;
• Handle legal paperwork and gather/prepare all of the documents and records you need;
• Represent you in child custody settlement negotiations; and,
• Advocate for the best outcome in a child custody hearing.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a Newton Child Custody Disputes Lawyer

At Turco Legal, our Newton child custody attorney is standing by, ready to work closely with you to help you find the best path forward for your family. Call us at (978) 225-9030 or contact us online to set up a strictly confidential initial legal consultation. With an office in Newton, our family law firm is well-positioned to handle child custody disputes throughout Middlesex County.