With the arrival of spring in Jackson County, parents inevitably look forward to the summertime to plan for when their children will be out of school. As a recently divorced parent, you may be looking forward to your kids' summer break with extra anticipation this year given that it will allow you to spend more time with them. You may want to include an extended vacation as part of that time, yet would such a venture work with your custody schedule? We here at the Stange Law Firm have worked with countless clients in the same position, and are happy to tell you that the law allows for extended custody periods exclusively during your children's summer break.
Arranging custody during the summer months
Child custody and unfit parents
Child custody is a common point of contention between separating Missouri parents. Although one parent may deem the other unfit for child custody, courts generally prioritize the child's best interest by looking at the entire picture: a parent's financial situation and mental stability are often points of focus. However, when a parent has lost child custody in the past, or has inflicted abuse toward a child, legal action may be the next step.
Raising children after a divorce
Raising children is never an easy task but for Missouri residents who have gotten or are getting divorced, the challenges associated with parenting can be even greater than when they were married. Even after two people are no longer married, they must still find ways to work together for the good of their children. In this way, they are not really able to be full divorced of one another.
Untangling child custody disputes
Home is a place to unwind, bond with family and friends and enjoy peace of mind -- these aspects are especially ideal for children who are affected by divorce. Millions across the nation struggle with making two homes what one used to be. Yet a 2016 Missouri law has caused many parents to develop concern in regards to how much time, exactly, they are able to spend with their own children. Much confusion has surrounded this 50/50 parenting law, and some fathers in particular have decided to speak out.
When a child custody battle is a life or death matter
All too often, child custody battles involve some level of child abuse. Countless parents across the nation have experienced the crippling stress of attempting to gain full custody of children in dire situations. When an ex-spouse or partner fails to provide their child with proper emotional and physical care, that failure constitutes as abuse. Parents in Kansas City have the right to dispute child custody arrangements when they fear their children are unsafe.
What is third-party custody?
Like most grandparents in Jackson County, your deep regard for your grandchildren is only matched by the love you feel for your own kids. You of course want to see your own children succeed as parents, yet not at the expense of your grandkids' well-being. If the issue of your grandchildren's custody does come up, you may feel as though you owe it to them to ask the court to consider giving you custodial rights.
Custody issues and back-to-school season
For many parents, back-to-school season can present various challenges and increase the level of stress they experience on a daily basis. However, if you are working through a custody dispute, fighting for your visitation rights, or are dealing with other custody-related legal matters, this time of year can be particularly difficult. Our firm knows how tricky some of these situations can be, especially if your child's other parent does not want to cooperate or is difficult to communicate with.
Standing up for your visitation rights
All sorts of family law topics have been covered on this blog, such as child support and different challenges that can arise during the process of divorce. However, those related to child custody, such as visitation rights, can be especially emotional for parents and may also have a significant impact on children. We understand just how much is often at stake for parents in Jackson County and other Missouri communities who are struggling with this dilemma.
What is joint physical custody?
If you are involved in a child custody dispute, you could be facing a whirlwind of uncertainty. Moreover, you could have different questions and be unsure of how key terms could affect your relationship with your children after you have split up with your spouse. Furthermore, some parents in Missouri may have stress or unanswered questions about child custody topics even before they have brought up the topic of divorce. Regardless, it is critical to ensure that you fully understand different potential custody arrangements and prepare for the different possible outcomes.
How legal custody differs from physical custody
Parents who are dealing with custody issues in Kansas City may not be familiar with some of the legal terminology involved, especially if it is their first time in the court system. When it comes to child custody, there are generally two different types of custody that a judge may grant to either or both parents.
