Custody and Visitation
Child Custody and Visitation Rights
In Missouri, the courts require a Parenting Plan for parents with minor children. The Parenting Plan sets forth the custody terms, including the visitation rights of the non-custodial parent. The lawyers at Farrell & Martin have the knowledge and experience to best ensure the Parenting Plan protects the best interests of the children involved. We have effectively represented hundreds of clients in divorce and other related family law issues, and will review your case on an individual basis in order to present your best options and chances of success.
We are committed to your best interest and the best interest of your children. Contact us to learn more about divorce, child custody and other family law matters in Missouri.
Legal and Physical Custody Issues
There are two aspects to child custody addressed in the court’s Parenting Plan; legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody defines a parent’s authority to make important decisions regarding the education, health care, and general welfare of the children. Physical custody defines the time when a child will live with a parent. Typically, the court prefers that both parents continue to have significant and meaningful contact following the divorce. In certain situations, a parent may be prevented from having legal or physical custody rights, and supervised custody will be ordered.
When making determinations about custody and visitation rights, the court will look at a variety of factors regarding each parent, including:
- Mental and physical health
- Employment status, including travel requirements and the likelihood of relocation
- Child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- Ability and willingness to actively perform parental functions that meet the needs of the child
- Wishes of the child
In every case, the safety and best interests of the children are valued over all other considerations by family courts in Missouri. Unfit parents may be prevented from having any physical or legal parental rights in order to protect the children from abuse or neglect.
Contact Us for More Information Regarding Child Custody
To learn more about child custody and visitation rights in the state of Missouri, contact us to speak to an attorney about your situation. We will protect your rights and help you solve problems concerning custody, visitation issues and the modification of any custody arrangements.
Call us at 636-397-2600 to schedule an appointment. We offer free initial consultations.
