Understanding Child Custody Providing personalized legal counsel for your family matters.

Best Interests of the Child in Custody Cases

Qualified St. Louis Child Custody Attorneys, Also Serving Chesterfield & St. Charles County

When a couple is going through a divorce in Missouri and they have children, determining child custody is probably one of the biggest decisions they will have to face. It is the ultimate goal of every child custody and visitation schedule to make sure that the children’s well-being is prioritized, allowing them to develop in a safe and happy environment. This is commonly referred to as the “best interests” of the child or children involved.

If you are going through a divorce or a custody battle, it is important to have a compassionate, yet relentless St. Louis divorce lawyer who will fight for you. Family Law Partners believe in providing affordable legal representation to individuals and families throughout the St. Louis area.

Call to schedule a free consultation with our family law firm in Missouri today: (636) 742-1418.

What Factors Are Used in Looking at the Child’s Best Interests?

While the factors involved in determining their best interest vary based on each unique custody situation, there are certain items that will almost always be considered, including:

  • The wishes of both parents in relation to their proposed custody arrangement and parenting plan
  • The child’s need for meaningful & consistent relationships with both parents, as well as the willingness and capability of both parents to perform their function as mother and father
  • Whichever parent is going to allow the child to maintain continuous and significant contact with the other parent
  • The interrelationships and interactions the child has with not only their parents, but also their siblings and anyone else who may affect their best interests
  • The child’s adjustment to their existing home, community involvement, and school
  • Either parent’s desire to relocate the primary residence of the child
  • Mental and physical health of all people involved. This includes patterns of domestic violence that will be taken into account when determining a custody arrangement that best protects the child from harm.
  • The child’s wishes as to which parent they would like to live with.

Typically the court will take all of these factors and more into consideration before coming up with the right solution for your particular family. In order to protect your child and make sure that the outcome is positive for all involved, retain a St. Louis child custody attorney.

Dedicated to Helping Families in Chesterfield & St. Louis

At Family Law Partners we do not use cookie cutter approaches in handling the sensitive nature of our client’s child custody cases. We recognize that this is not only a sensitive issue, but it also has ramifications that will likely last until your child moves out from under the custody of you or your ex.

Let our St. Louis child custody lawyers work with you, providing personalized attention throughout the duration of your case. We offer a free case evaluation to make the process even easier on you and your family.

Speak with our child custody lawyers today for the representation you deserve.

HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS

  • “Mike exudes a trustworthy disposition from the moment he takes your case, and it doesn’t take long to know he was the right hire!”

    M.Y.

  • “Thank you for everything you have done for my family.”

    Former Client

  • “I am truly thankful to have retained him to represent me and the best interest of my child.”

    M.E.

  • “This firm and mainly it’s co-owner Jamie are the main reasons you still see pictures of me and my son like this.”

    K.W.

  • “No one wants to go through a divorce but if you find yourself having to deal with one, I highly recommend Jamie.”

    D. E.

  • “They have stood by my side during every tough decision or set back and guided me through the important decision-making processes.”

    A.M.

  • “She provided thoughtful, zealous representation and consistently exceeded my expectations.”

    J.M.

  • “Mr. Pedano could not have done a better job representing me through my divorce.”

    E.C.

  • “Through it all, Jamie kept calm and we kept our heads high.”

    Melani

  • “I sincerely appreciate her professionalism and ability to take care of her clients!”

    R.C.

  • “I needed a fast divorce and she delivered.”

    J.C.

  • “They really do care about there clients and want what is best for them!”

    C.C.