Chesterfield Child Custody & Visitation Lawyers

Resolving Custody & Visitation Issues in St. Louis & All of Missouri

At The Roberts Law Firm, P.C., our Chesterfield child custody and visitation attorneys counsel divorcing or unmarried parents about the best ways to solve problems concerning child custody, visitation, or a custodial parent’s plans to relocate the child out of state.

To learn more about your options in any situation involving your relationship with your children, contact our experienced and compassionate team of Chesterfield child custody lawyers. We can also help you fight for visitation rights.

Call (636) 590-4864 or fill out and submit an online contact form today to schedule a confidential consultation.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Missouri

Family court judges decide disputed child custody and visitation questions in terms of the best interests of the children involved.

Missouri law provides a detailed list of factors that the judge should consider in identifying those best interests, including:

• The wishes of the parents as reflected by their proposed parenting plans
• The needs of the child for a frequent, continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents and the ability and willingness of parents to actively perform their functions as mother and father for the needs of the child
• The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and other persons
• Which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent, continuing, and meaningful contact with the other parent
• The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, including domestic violence issues
• The intention of either parent to relocate the principal residence of the child
• The wishes of the child (if applicable)

It is important to note that, in the eyes of the law, every parent-child relationship is regarded as important for its own sake.

Legal Representation in Contentious Child Custody Battles

In a divorce case, disagreements as to which parent should have primary or sole physical custody of a child can get downright nasty, especially if allegations of physical abuse, drug or alcohol problems, or family violence cast doubt on the safety of the child with either parent. Any divorcing spouse restrained under a domestic violence order of protection may be at a clear disadvantage in obtaining shared custody or liberal visitation rights with his or her child.

No matter which side of a high-conflict child custody dispute you might be on, we can help you present your position in the strongest possible terms, or refute unfounded charges of unfitness as a parent.

Child Custody & Relocation

Missouri law regarding interstate relocation of a custodial parent can also present problems for divorced parents. The parent who proposes moving the child to another state must give the other parent advance notice of the intent to move and give the other parent a chance to object to the proposed relocation in court. It may be possible to negotiate a revised parenting plan and visitation schedule that accommodates the relocation proposal, but the court has the authority to find that the move is not in the best interests of the child and withhold permission. Our Chesterfield child custody attorneys can advise you about the probable outcome of an objection to relocation in the circumstances of your particular case.

We also represent grandparents, unmarried parents, and stepparents in child custody and visitation disputes. To learn more about our ability to advise and represent you effectively when your relationship to your children is at stake, contact an experienced attorney at The Roberts Law Firm, P.C.

Discuss your case with a member of our legal team; call (636) 590-4864 to request a consultation today.