You’re not required to hire a child custody lawyer to help with your case in Lafayette, but it is widely recommended. By working with a Lafayette child custody attorney, you can stay organized and set yourself up for a successful case. Your lawyer can evaluate your case, launch their own investigations, negotiate terms, offer legal advice, and represent you in court, among other tasks. They’re there to make your life easier as you figure out what happens next.
Lafayette Child Custody Lawyer
Lafayette Child Custody Attorney
If you’re going through a divorce and have a child, it’s important to understand your options when planning. A Lafayette child custody lawyer can help you organize your affairs and ensure you make the right decisions on behalf of your family.
The attorneys at Longman Jakuback have years of experience handling child custody cases with the care and professionalism they deserve. We understand how Louisiana courts make decisions about custody and can help you come up with a parenting plan that gives your child a happy life. Plus, we can help you if any challenges arise as you create and implement your parenting plan.
Child Custody Cases in Louisiana
With a total of 1,066,394 children living in Louisiana, child custody cases stand to affect a large portion of the population. It’s possible to set up either joint custody or sole custody over a child in Louisiana. Moreover, you can make separate cases for having physical custody and legal custody.
- With legal custody, you can make important decisions regarding education, healthcare, and religion in your child’s life.
- Physical custody gives you the right to live with your child and handle their day-to-day care.
Louisiana law typically favors joint custody plans where both parents share legal and physical custody and remain in their child’s life. That said, certain situations may call for sole custodianship. A Lafayette child custody lawyer can help you organize a plan that works for your family, no matter the situation.
If your case goes to court, you can count on the court to make decisions based on the child’s interest. When determining custody, they look at things like:
- Child’s preference: If the court deems the child is of an appropriate age, they may take their preferences into consideration as well when making their final decision. This may not always be the case, and it won’t be the sole factor in determining custody.
- Fitness of parents: Courts take a good look at the lives of both parents to ensure they can provide a steady and loving home for them. This typically involves looking at their incomes, living situations, and any criminal histories.
- Needs of the child: Every child custody case is different, depending on the unique needs of the child and their relationship with their parents. Courts take a close look at the entire family’s situation and take any specific needs into consideration when making their final decision.
- Willingness of each parent: Parents must show that they actively want to take care of their child and maintain a relationship with them. They also must show a willingness to cooperate with the other parent.
It’s important to come up with a solid child custody plan for the health and safety of your child. With a set plan in place, both parents understand their responsibilities and can do their part. In a single year, 4.1 million parents nationwide received child support in the form of cash payments, and another 2.7 million received non-cash support.
In fiscal year 2022, the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) collected a total of $420.3 million in child support. A Lafayette child custody lawyer can help you create a plan that ensures you receive the right amount of support in whatever form necessary.
Hire a Child Custody Lawyer
Longman Jakuback has nearly a decade of experience handling complex family law cases in Louisiana. Our skilled attorneys in Lafayette understand Louisiana’s child custody laws and are prepared to help you settle your case as quickly as possible. We take time to understand your family’s situation, so we can help you create a comprehensive parenting plan that works in everyone’s interest.
FAQs About Lafayette, LA Child Custody Laws
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Lafayette?
The cost of working with a Lafayette child custody lawyer can vary depending on the details of your case. Every family is unique, and it’s important to hire a child custody lawyer who meets your needs. The complexity of the case, the experience of the attorney, and whether it is litigated in court are often the most impactful on cost. Set up an initial appointment with a lawyer to learn more about their services and their costs.
What Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make in a Child Custody Battle in Lafayette?
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a child custody battle in Lafayette is not being cooperative when creating your parenting plan. Failing to do so puts that decision in the hands of the court, who make its decisions partially based on several factors. You can expect the court to make decisions based on the child’s interests. Be sure not to lose sight of them as you go through your case.
How Is Child Custody Determined in Lafayette?
Child custody can either be determined in Lafayette by the parents or the court. Many parents choose to work together through mediation or arbitration to create a custody plan that works for them, allowing more flexibility when making decisions regarding their child’s day-to-day schedule and overall well-being. If the court is left to decide, it operates in the interest of the child. If they deem the child an appropriate age, they may also take their preference into consideration.
Contact Our Lafayette Child Custody Lawyer
Longman Jakuback has experience navigating all types of complex family law cases. Our team of skilled attorneys can help you get through this chapter with your child’s interests in mind. If you’re ready to discuss your child custody case, contact our team to set up a consultation with a trusted team member today.
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The Saltz Building
830 Main Street, Floor 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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