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Establishing Parenting Time And Custody Plans That Work

I know that there is nothing more important to you than being with your children. When a divorce happens, it can cause stress and anxiety to both parents and children. Change is hard. I work to make the transition as smooth and obstacle-free as possible.

I am family law attorney Donna Martin. I established North Shore Family Law to provide skilled and compassionate one-on-one counsel in matters of Massachusetts child custody. I offer a free initial consultation to answer your most pressing questions about the process and how I can help. Call 781-528-0038 and set up a time to talk.

Factors The Court Considers In Custody Issues

If you are in a contentious dissolution, you and your spouse may not be able to agree on where the kids should live and when and how each parent should be in charge. If this is the case, a judge may be needed to decide. The judge will consider what is in the best interest of the child, always. There are other factors the judge may consider including:

  • The current relationship of each parent with the child
  • The ages of the child or children
  • The logistics, for example, how far the parents live from one another
  • The parents’ mental and physical health
  • The physical and emotional needs of the child
  • What the child wants if the child is old enough to articulate their wishes

Judges are wise to the motivations of parents. They are not swayed by parents who want custody simply to attain child support. As an attorney with decades of experience in family law matters, I can help you understand the difference between legal and physical custody as well as how sole and joint custody differ.

 

Mediation, Negotiation Or Litigation?

If both you and your spouse are in agreement as to the type of custody (also called parenting) plan that works, mediation may be the right path. Mediation is private, flexible and offers you more control over the outcome. I can guide you through this process.
In some marriages, negotiation and settlement are viable options. In others, litigation is the only way to ensure that parenting plans are fair and have the child’s best interest at heart. No matter which route you take, I have the experience and legal acumen to navigate you to a successful resolution. My approach is solution-oriented; I do not advocate breaking something that isn’t broken.

 

Reach Out When It’s Time To Create A Plan

Whether you want to resolve your child custody matter through mediation, settlement or litigation, I can help. I know that when it comes to your child you want the best resolution possible. I do too. Call me, Donna Martin at 781-528-0038 or connect with me via this contact form. My office is in Marblehead and I represent clients throughout the surrounding communities.