Ramsey County Parenting Time Attorney

Ramsey County Parenting Time Attorney

If you are facing a divorce or end of a relationship, issues related to child custody and parenting time likely top your list of concerns. Further, if you need to have your parenting time schedule modified, it’s an equally important matter. If you are facing a parenting time issue, an experienced Ramsey County parenting time attorney can help.

Custody in Minnesota

Custody in Minnesota is categorized into both physical custody – known as parenting time – and legal custody. Legal custody is concerned with who makes the important parenting decisions on behalf of the children, including questions about:

• Where the children attend school
• The children’s health care
• The children’s religious affiliation
• The children’s extracurricular activities

Parenting time, on the other hand, is concerned with whom the children live with and according to what schedule (known as parenting time). The court’s motivation is always in the best interest of the involved children, and usually, this means spending time with both parents (except in extreme situations). If you and your divorcing spouse or ex are able to come to an agreement regarding a parenting time schedule (or modification), the court will very likely sign off on your terms. If not, the court will make these important decisions for you – guided by what it determines to be in the best interests of the children. 

Parenting Time Modifications

The parenting time schedule that you and your ex agreed to years ago may have suited you and your children’s needs then, but as children grow, their needs and schedules can change dramatically. If your parenting time schedule is no longer relevant to your evolving circumstances, a modification is likely in order, and a dedicated parenting time attorney can help. 

The Court’s Decision

If you and your children’s other parent are unable to come to terms that you can both agree to, the court will intervene on your behalf. When the court makes decisions regarding parenting time, it carefully weighs all of the following 12 factors:

• Your children’s physical, cultural, emotional, and spiritual needs
• If there are special needs involved
• If domestic abuse plays a role
• The children’s preferences (within reason)
• Each parent’s physical and mental health
• Each parent’s level of involvement with the children
• Each parent’s ability to care for the children 
• Each parent’s ability and willingness to parent effectively
• The effect a schedule change will have on the children’s relationships with other family members
• The benefits of maximizing both parents’ time with the children
• Each parent’s willingness to facilitate the children’s ongoing relationship with the other parent
• Each parent’s willingness to cooperate with the other parent regarding parenting their shared children

You Need a Ramsey County Parenting Attorney on Your Side

If you are facing a parenting time issue, the practiced Ramsey County parenting time attorneys at Atticus Family Law have the experience, resources, and commitment to help. Our dedicated legal team understands the serious nature of your issue and will skillfully advocate for a schedule that supports you and your children’s best interests. We’re on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.