Legal Help in Determining a Child's Best Interests
Children should not be a battleground. As your lawyer, I will work to keep child custody and visitation discussions civil and calm. − Burnsville family law attorney Merlyn Meinerts
In Minnesota, there are two types of child custody:
- Legal custody is the right to make and participate in major legal decisions as to a child's education, medical care and religious training. In Minnesota, joint legal custody is presumed unless there is a compelling reason not to.
- Physical custody is where the child lives on a daily basis. There are three basic arrangements: sole physical custody, primary physical custody and visitation (known as parenting time in Minnesota), and joint physical custody.
Joint physical custody, where a child's routine daily care is structured between the mother and father, is becoming more popular in Minnesota. It relies on an ability of the parents to communicate well, cooperate and resolve disputes. The upside of this arrangement is that, the child will have two active and involved parents. The downside is, the child may have less consistency and stability.
At the Meinerts Law Office, P.A. in Burnsville, Minnesota, we are committed to a productive, goal-oriented approach to restructuring your family. Lawyer Merlyn Meinerts serves clients throughout the south metro area of the Twin Cities, including Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville and Shakopee
Custody Decisions are Based on the Best Interest of the Child
Minnesota law asks the court to make decisions of child custody and visitation based on the best interests of the minor children. Your child's best interests can be determined by the parents, by mediation or by negotiation. If the parents are unable to agree, the court will require a custody evaluation. This will include interviewing parents, children, teachers, friends and neighbors.
To determine the child's best interests, the court will consider 13 factors including which parent has been the primary caretaker, the stability of the proposed custodial home, the length of time the child has been in a stable environment, and any mental health issues involving the parents and/or the children.
Free Consultation With Lawyer Merlyn Meinerts
Give your child custody issues the careful attention they deserve. Call Burnsville lawyer Merlyn Meinerts at 952.236.4562 or fill out our simple contact form for a free initial consultation.
