Kansas City Child Custody Attorney

Providing Custody Solutions to Families in Jackson, Cass, Clay, and Johnson Counties

Child custody disputes can be some of the most contentious issues that arise during divorce. Custody issues can be especially complicated when parents have different opinions about how custody should be arranged or when they disagree about how to properly raise the children.

How Do Courts Decide Child Custody?

In Missouri, courts will generally grant custody to the parent who is most likely to act in the child's best interests. This means that the court will attempt to ensure the child's safety and well-being by granting custody to the parent who is most likely to ensure that the child's needs are met.

Courts will typically consider the following when making a decision regarding child custody:

• the child's safety
• the child's physical and mental health
• the child's level of happiness and well-being
• each parent's ability to provide the child with a stable and nurturing environment
• each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs
• each parent's ability to prepare the child for adulthood
• each parent's willingness to cooperate with the other parent
• each parent's ability to be an active parent
• the child's preference
• each parent's ability to make decisions for the child
• each parent's employment status
• each parent's ability to provide a stable home environment
• each parent's moral fitness
• each parent's mental and physical health
• each parent's ability to provide a safe environment for the child
• the child's relationship with each parent and with siblings
• the child's relationships with other relatives
• the child's preference

If you and the other parent can agree on a parenting plan, then the court will likely grant the agreement.

How Does a Custody Dispute Work in Missouri?

Parents who are unable to reach an agreement regarding child custody will have to appear before a judge who will make a decision based on the best interest of the child.

In making this decision, the judge will consider the same factors listed above. The court will also take into account the parents' ability to cooperate with each other and make decisions regarding the child.

If the parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, then the court will decide on a plan for them. In many cases, children are granted significant decision-making power, such as which parent they will live with and when they will spend time with the other parent.

In some cases, courts will grant sole custody to one parent, while the other parent is granted visitation rights. Courts will typically grant visitation rights to the parent who is most likely to ensure that the child's needs are met.

Contact an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody disputes can be some of the most contentious issues that arise during divorce. At Easter Law, LLC, our Kansas City child custody lawyers understand how important your children are to you, and we will work hard to ensure that your parental rights are protected.

We understand that the well-being of your children is the most important issue in your divorce. Our child custody lawyers will work with you to create a parenting plan that suits the needs of your children.

To discuss your child custody options with an experienced child custody attorney, contact Easter Law, LLC, today. Contact our firm today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced child custody lawyer in Kansas City.