Child Custody

Overview

As stressful as disentangling a marriage is for parents during divorce proceedings, it is often much more stressful for the child. Dickinson Bradshaw's family law attorneys are sensitive to clients' desires to protect the best interests of their children. Parties to the dissolution of a marriage frequently confuse the difference between legal custody and physical custody. There are many complexities such as this to child custody proceedings, so it’s important to have an experienced divorce lawyer guide parents through the process. Here at Dickinson Bradshaw, we have some of the most experienced child custody lawyers in Iowa. 

Legal custody refers to a parent's rights and responsibilities with regard to decisions affecting the child's legal status. This can include medical care, education, extracurricular activities, and religious instruction. Physical custody refers to the right and responsibility to maintain the principal home of the child and provide for the routine care of the child. Our experienced child custody attorneys can also help parents explore either sole custody or joint custody agreements. Whether you are seeking full custody or partial custody, our experienced family court lawyers are there to help. The family court will take into consideration the following four primary factors:

  1. Stability and continuity for the child
  2. Whether the parents have the ability to communicate and show mutual respect
  3. The degree of conflict present in the parents' relationship
  4. Whether the parents are in general agreement about their approach to daily matters

Dickinson Bradshaw family law lawyers work with clients to help them understand custody laws and assess the numerous issues associated with custody. From determining grounds for full child custody to negotiating visitation, we’re here to help. In the instance that a child custody agreement cannot be reached without court appearances, our attorneys will proceed with the best interest of the child in mind. Occasionally, we may engage a custody expert to perform a custody evaluation that may be helpful to a judge.

Our attorneys may also request that the court appoint a guardian ad litem or an independent attorney to represent your child. Whether you are seeking guidance on how to get a divorce, how to get child support, or how to get custody of a child, we are here for you. Our experienced and compassionate family law attorneys are here to help you through even the toughest child custody cases. Contact us or view our locations to find a child custody lawyer near you.

For more information on Child Custody, visit our FAQ page.

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