Minneapolis Child Custody Attorney

Protecting your child during your Minnesota divorce and finding out how custody will play out can be a scary thing for any parent. Trying to work with your ex to reach an amicable agreement on a custody arrangement can be frustrating and stressful. However, it is something that needs to be done; otherwise, you leave the decision up to the court. If your ex’s attorney manages to make you look bad in the judge’s eyes, it can affect custody and visitation. This is why you need a Minneapolis child custody attorney on your side.

There are numerous steps involved before you reach the point of your case being finalized. Depending on your individual circumstances, these steps may be different and take a shorter or longer period of time. At Atticus Family Law, your attorney will sit down with you and provide you with a general overview of the Minnesota child custody process upfront and explain what the usual course of action is. This way, you are not surprised at what is to come. 

Physical and Legal Custody in Minnesota

When establishing custody, there are two types. The first is legal custody, which deals with the legal right to make important decisions on behalf of your child. Some of these decisions may involve topics like non-emergency medical issues, religious upbringing, where to attend school, and authority to get a driver’s license or not, etc. 

Physical custody is what most people think about when it comes to a child custody battle. Physical custody determines where your child will spend the majority of his or her time. Making a decision on physical custody is one of the most challenging and emotionally sensitive decisions you will make. It is hard for anyone to go from parenting together, where you see your child every day, to knowing there is a risk you may not see him or her for days at a time.

Unless there is a valid reason to the contrary, the court usually tries to award joint physical custody. The courts want a child to develop a relationship with both parents, not just one. However, this does not necessarily mean your child will split his or her time 50/50 between both parents. 

Parenting Time Agreements 

Once you are living in separate homes, you need a parenting time agreement to determine how to schedule time with your child. This is essentially a visitation schedule and needs to be as comprehensive as possible. This will help reduce the risk of disputes and further problems. A parenting time agreement needs careful consideration and drafting. This is definitely one area in which your Minneapolis child custody attorney can help. 

Contact a Minneapolis Child Custody Attorney Today

If you are splitting up with the parent of your child and are preparing for a custody battle, you need someone in your corner to make sure your rights are protected throughout the process. Contact Atticus Family Law today to schedule an initial consultation.