Worcester Child Custody Lawyers

Facing a Family Law Case? Our Skilled Child Custody Lawyers in Middlesex and Hampden Counties Can Help

Married and unmarried parents of children can find themselves arguing about custody, parenting time, and child support when their relationship comes to an end. The Worcester family law attorneys at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP can provide knowledgeable representation to help advocate for your interests and for the best interest of your children.

When you retain one of the child custody lawyers in Worcester, MA from the law offices of Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP, you benefit from all of the following:

• 50 years of combined experience
• The resources and knowledge to look at your case from multiple angles
• We keep a small case load so we can devote a lot of time to each case
• Diligent case preparation and aggressive representation

Protect your parental rights. Speak to a dedicated Worcester child custody lawyer for a free consultation. Call us today at (508) 570-3037 or contact us online to get the legal support you need.

Types of Child Custody in Massachusetts

There are two types of child custody: legal and physical. Physical custody determines where a child will primarily reside, and the child’s school registration as well as contact information for medical or other purposes will be from the parent with physical custody. Legal custody, on the other hand, determines a parent’s right to make decisions about the general welfare of a child.

Legal custody decisions include issues such as:

• Religious education and training
• Health care
• Choice of schools
• Dental care
• Extracurricular activities
• Tutoring

Under Massachusetts child custody laws, there is no presumption that custody must be shared equally between parents. Parents maintaining separate households should determine if they can have joint custody, where they both share equal responsibilities, or sole custody, where one parent has the primary responsibility for the child. If the parents cannot agree on custody issues, the court will make the decision.

Factors Massachusetts Courts Consider in Child Custody Cases

Massachusetts courts are guided by the principle that the best interests of the child should always be the primary consideration in custody matters. While each case is unique, there are several factors that the court will take into account when determining child custody.

Factors to consider when determining parenting time include:

• The age of the child
• The child’s school or daycare location
• The child’s school or activity schedule
• The work schedule of each parent
• The availability of both parents on the weekend
• The appropriateness of each parent’s home

Our Worcester lawyers for child custody can help you file the appropriate documents with the court to initiate or defend against a complaint. We can also work hard to get you into court quickly to obtain temporary orders of custody, visitation and support. In addition, our team can help you properly gather evidence to support your rights as a parent.

Establishing Visitation in Worcester

Commonly known as visitation, parenting time addresses the amount of responsibility of each parent to care for a child in their respective households on a weekly basis and during the holidays. Like custody, there is no presumption that parenting time should be equal between homes. The Worcester lawyers for child custody at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP can provide compassionate representation for child custody disputes.

Visitation can take many forms, depending on the circumstances:

• Regular Visitation: The non-custodial parent may have scheduled visitation on weekends, holidays, or specific days of the week.
• Supervised Visitation: If there are concerns about the safety or well-being of the child, the court may order supervised visitation, where a third party is present during the visitation.
• No Visitation: In extreme cases, the court may deny visitation altogether if there is a history of abuse or neglect that could harm the child.

Modifying Child Custody Orders in Massachusetts

If there is an existing custody order, and there is a need for modification to visitation or custody arrangements, the services of a Worcester child custody attorney will be critical to navigate the legal process. Modifications can be requested if there is a significant change in circumstances that impacts the child’s well-being or the ability of a parent to care for the child such as:

• Parent’s relocation
• A significant shift in the child’s needs
• Parent’s inability to continue caring for the child

To seek a custody modification, the parent requesting the change must show that there has been a material change in circumstances that justifies the modification. A Worcester child custody attorney can help to file a petition for modification and represent you in court.

Working with a Worcester Child Custody Lawyer

Dealing with a child custody case can be overwhelming, particularly when emotions run high, and there is so much at stake. An experienced Worcester child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights, make informed decisions, and build a case that supports your child’s well-being.

Your lawyer will:

• Provide legal counsel and guidance throughout the custody process
• Gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony if necessary
• Negotiate on your behalf, aiming to reach a fair agreement that works for both parents and the child
• Represent you in court, advocating for your rights and the best interests of the child

Custody cases are deeply personal, and your lawyer’s role is to provide the support and legal expertise necessary to help you navigate this difficult process.

If you are facing a child custody dispute or need help modifying an existing custody arrangement, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a Worcester child custody lawyer. With professional assistance, you can ensure that the decisions made are in the best interest of your child and your family.

Request a FREE consultation or call (508) 570-3037. We are devoted to effective trial lawyering. We know how to deliver aggressive defense strategies and we know how to speak to juries and judges alike.