Helping Waukesha, Wisconsin, Parents Protect Their Children
As a parent, child custody disputes can seem to throw your world into chaos. It is understandable to be worried about what will happen to your child and to you. However, it is important not to let emotions run rampant.
At The Law Offices of Andrew C. Ladd, LLC in Wisconsin, we can help you look at your child custody case objectively. With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys are able to offer solutions that are tailored to your situation and designed to meet your child's needs.
Understanding Child Custody and Placement
It is important for parents to understand the legal issues involved with child custody. There are two important issues that need to be resolved in every custody case:
- Legal custody — The term child custody actually refers to the ability to make decisions for your child. Typically, parents have joint legal custody and make important decisions about health care, schooling and other issues together.
- Physical placement — Placement is what parents normally think of as custody. The physical placement determines how much time the child will live with each parent.
Parents must go through child custody mediation before going to court (unless domestic violence is involved). This often lets families come together to develop a plan that is in everyone's best interests.
If you and your child's other parent cannot come to a custody agreement in mediation, the family court becomes more involved. A social worker will complete a placement study by meeting with both parents, the child, teachers and other people who are important in your child's life. The social worker will then make a recommendation to the court. If the parties still do not agree, the judge will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the children.
When Circumstances Change
As children get older, circumstances can change. We will help you through the modifications process when one parent:
- Changes jobs.
- Wants to relocate to another city or state.
- Interferes with the child's relationship with the other parent.
- Abuses the child.
The entire process is set up to protect children. It is important to keep your children's needs in mind during these difficult and emotional proceedings.
Call 262-542-3900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our experienced family lawyers. Your family is important to us, and we will do everything we can to help you reach a positive solution when you are struggling with child custody in the Waukesha area.