Worcester Child Custody Attorneys

Divorce is always a difficult process. When a marriage with children is ending, the parents are often worried about how it will affect their kids. At Miller Law Group, P.C., our Worcester child custody lawyers never take this aspect of divorce lightly. In fact, we know that this is the biggest issue parents face when splitting up, regardless of whether they were married. 

Our goal is to guide you and your family through this difficult time, helping you find resolutions to complex problems that not only protect your rights but also preserve the best interests of your kids. Are you going through a divorce and need help with child custody? Are you seeking custody as an unmarried parent? Call our firm today to tell us your story. We’re ready to use our experience to help you fight for a fair child custody agreement, modification, or visitation order.

For a free consultation with our child custody lawyers in Worcester, call (888) 874-2142 or contact us online. We can talk to you about your rights and options during this difficult time.

Child Custody Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts courts focus on one thing when deciding child custody: what is best for the child. Since a judge is not a member of a family, they need evidence regarding why a parent is the right person to receive partial or full custody of their children. In most cases, a custody arrangement will result in the child splitting time between the two parents, with both parents having the right to make certain decisions about the child's upbringing. However, this is not always the case.

It's important that you work with an experienced child custody attorney in Worcester when seeking a custody arrangement with the other parent of your child. An attorney will be able to inform you of your rights and work with the other side in an attempt to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement that prioritizes your kid's best interests above all. 

Factors the Court Considers When Determining Child Custody

In Massachusetts, custody is not a given. Either parent may seek full or partial custody of their child. The court will weigh various factors to determine how to arrange custody, always keeping in mind the best interests of the children involved. 

Judges in Massachusetts courts consider the following when deciding on child custody:

• The relationship each parent has with the child
• Whether one parent is more involved in the child's life
• Each parent's ability (financially, physically, mentally) to care for the child
• Where each parent lives
• The health and mental well-being of each parent 
• The stability of each parent’s household
• What the child wants, if age-appropriate

While these issues may seem straightforward to you as a parent, you will still need to convince the court why your custody wishes make sense. Every child custody decision is influenced by different factors; our firm can help you develop a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes your desired situation.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Worcester, MA

Massachusetts recognizes two main types of child custody: 

• Legal custody: Legal custody means that a parent has the right to make important life decisions for their child. These include education, moral upbringing, healthcare, and other important choices parents make for young children. 
• Physical custody: Physical custody determines which parent a child resides with part or all of the time. It also determines whether the non-custodial parent (the parent with whom the child spends less time) will get visitation. 

Additionally, parents may receive either shared or sole custody in Massachusetts. Sole legal custody may be granted to a parent if the court believes that the other parent is not able to make decisions in the best interest of their child. Shared legal custody may be granted when the court deems both parents capable of making decisions for their children. This type of legal custody can be challenging at times, as it requires the cooperation of former spouses.

In most cases, the court works to avoid separating children from their parents. Often, it will grant shared physical custody, meaning the child will spend time and live with both parents. The amount of time spent with either parent may be equal (50/50) or unequal, depending on the circumstances. For example, a child may spend one week living with one parent, then the next week living with the other, or a child may spend weekdays with their mother and weekends with their father. 

Sole physical custody is rare but may be granted in situations where the court determines it is not safe or beneficial for the child to live with one of their parents. This may come into play when one parent is abusive or is unable to care for the child due to drug/alcohol use, or when a divorced couple lives too far apart to make shared physical custody practical. If a parent does not have sole physical custody of their child, they may still receive visitation rights.

Protect Your Rights: Call Our Worcester Child Custody Lawyers

Courts have a lot to consider when deciding matters of child custody. What works in the interest of one child might not work in the interest of another, so every piece of evidence matters to a judge. If you’re facing the possibility of a child custody dispute, you need a law firm that will explore your case from every angle to show the judge what custody arrangement will benefit your child the most. Miller Law Group, P.C. has been that law firm for hundreds of Massachusetts families, and we are ready to be the same for you.

Our team comprises legal professionals who are dedicated to the practice of family law. We are prepared to direct the resources needed to each case, setting our clients up for the best chance of success. Importantly, we are familiar with Worcester courts, as we work in them daily. Our team knows how these local courts operate, meaning we can adjust our strategies accordingly. 

Nothing guarantees a specific outcome for your case. However, equipping yourself with an experienced lawyer will guarantee that someone is fighting to protect your interests. Let our child custody attorneys in Worcester be the dedicated advocates you and your children need during this difficult time.

Call us today at (888) 874-2142 for help with your case. Our team is ready to hear your story and help you decide what your next steps should be.