When a couple gets divorced, a child’s future living arrangements, education, medical, and religious decisions will be determined through a parenting plan that’s established by the court. This type of decision can be very emotional for both of the parents and the children. The best thing a parent can do is speak with an experienced child custody attorney in Albuquerque, NM. Understanding the law, and the various types of custody that could be awarded will make the process much easier. A very important goal for the parents is to be able to co-parent with each other. In families where domestic violence has taken place, co-parenting may not be an option for the children.
New Mexico courts prefer to have the parents play equal roles in their child’s life or a sole custody arrangement when one parent is a custodial caregiver, and the other parent is granted parenting time with their child. A child can adjust more easily whenever they spend equal time with each parent. Once joint custody has been established in a New Mexico court, the only way to modify the custody arrangement is for a parent to show a substantial and material change of circumstance that is affecting a child’s welfare. Obtaining the best custodial order for a child’s relationship with their parents can be carefully crafted with the help of a child custody attorney in Albuquerque, NM.
The court will consider five factors when a custody determination is decided. They will consider the wishes of the parents and the child, provided they are fourteen years of age or older. The child’s current custodial environment and how adjusted they are to it will also be a consideration. The court is also concerned about the relationship a child has with each parent, a child’s siblings and other people who affect a child’s best interest. The physical and mental health of each parent and any other individuals that are involved in the child’s wellbeing will also be considered.
There are more factors, which are part of a custody decision, and Carter & Valle Law Firm can help you with the custodial agreement for your children. Browse the website for more information.