Lexington Child Custody Lawyer
Compassionate & Experienced Representation in Kentucky
One of the most complicated aspects of divorce is child custody. If you have children under the age of 18 living in your home, the courts will help you decide who should care for them after your split. In April 2017, the state of Kentucky passed a law to encourage joint custody in divorces.
Our attorneys understand the complicated laws surrounding divorce and want to help you navigate this path. When we take on a case, we make a commitment to be available for our clients. We will respect the attorney-client privilege as we fight for you and will communicate with you regularly to ensure we are on the same page with your case.
Let a seasoned Lexington child custody attorney at Gilbert Law Group PLLC be your advocate. Call (859) 594-7540 to discuss your case.
The Implications of Custody
There are two types of custody: physical and legal. Physical custody refers to where the child sleeps at night. Legal custody refers to financial responsibility. A legal custodial parent also has the authority to make big decisions for the children, such as where they will go to school, what religion they are exposed to, or what extra-curricular activities they are involved in. A non-custodial parent may be allowed to visit with the children and may be required to pay supplemental child support.
How Does the Court Determine Custody?
The Kentucky courts want a custody arrangement that is best for the children and satisfactory for both adults. The child’s needs are the most important elements of the decision-making process. Ensuring a safe, secure, and caring environment for a child is of utmost importance.
They will take into consideration:
- The emotional bonds each parent has with the children
- Any patterns of alcohol or drug abuse
- Each parent’s financial status
- Whether the move would take the children from their home
- Whether the arrangement requires the children to change schools
- The parent’s history of domestic violence or child abuse
Kentucky used to honor the “tender years” doctrine. This stated that infants and toddlers should generally remain with the mother after the divorce. However, this is no longer a factor in most cases and children of any age may be given to either parent with no gender discrimination.
With You Every Step of the Way
When you are fighting for custody, you need a lawyer who will aggressively defend your parenting abilities. We want to stand beside you in the court and argue on your behalf. Our attorneys are members of the Kentucky Bar Association and the Kentucky Justice Association.
Let a seasoned Lexington family law attorney at Gilbert Law Group PLLC be your advocate. Call (859) 594-7540 to discuss your case.