Missouri Child Custody Lawyer: Is Missouri A Mother Or Father State?
As a Missouri child custody lawyer, one of the most common questions we receive is, “Is Missouri a Mother or Father State, when it comes to child custody?” The future of children, and who they will spend the most time with is often a highly contentious and stressful aspect of a divorce for parents. But in general, Missouri does not give special preference to either the mother or father in child custody cases, and gives each parent a fair chance at obtaining custody.
A Missouri Child Custody Lawyer Can Help Guide You Through Your Custody Questions
Under the law, the favor of joint child custody between parents is presumed. It is up to a judge’s discretion to keep this law in mind, all while keeping the best interests of the child as a top priority.
Currently, it is possible for a judge to grant joint custody or sole custody, and to decide the length of parenting time between each parent. The courts recognize that children can be traumatized through this process and wish to minimize that trauma as much as possible. As a Missouri child custody lawyer, we have seen how the courts strive to keep the child’s best interest as the main goal.
If you are heading towards a child custody dispute, it is our job as Missouri child custody lawyers to prepare you for the process through the courts. As Missouri child custody lawyers working for the Family Law Practice at Levy Craig Law Firm, there are aspects of a child custody hearing that you need to be aware of. The judge will take into consideration parental capacity in raising their child, the child’s unique adjustment to each parental home and community, how the child interacts with each parent, each parent’s mental and physical health as well as any history of abuse, and the child’s wishes are taken into account.
As a parent going through a child custody dispute, you can rest assured that the law prohibits the court from deciding custody agreements based on parental gender. If you are in Kansas City Metro area and are in need of a Missouri child custody lawyer, contact us, Nathalie Elliott and Kimberly Scheuerman to schedule a consultation or feel free to call at (816) 454-7474 with any questions you have regarding your child custody case.
