Child Custody & Visitation

Patterson Law Firm consistently provides amicable child custody and visitation solutions that are in the best interest of both parents and, of course, the best interest of the child or children involved. Our attorneys are experts at custody designations and parenting plans and we have been creating custody arrangements that work for all parties concerned for over 25 years.

Child custody is divided into two categories. Legal Custody is the right of parents to make decisions relating to the health, education and welfare of the child while Physical Custody determines where the child resides and which parent has the primary responsibility of the child.

Generally, one parent is designated as the primary custodial parent, taking on the work of raising and providing the child with their everyday needs. Joint custody is when both parents share the responsibility of raising the child/children.

Courts consider the parties’ standard of living during the marriage, the supported spouse’s needs and the financial ability to pay spousal support when determining the amount. The court may also order the supported spouse to make a reasonable effort to contribute to their own financial support.

Patterson Law Firm will assist you in evaluating all factors that must be considered in determining spousal support.