Separation and divorce in a household impacts children and their relationships with their parents on many levels. When considering the many different factors that affect a parent-child relationship after dissolution, the best interests of the child typically becomes a contentious issue. The custody attorneys of Montana Divorce Law Firm understand what the state requires, as well as what your rights are. We do this to ensure your relationship with your child continues to strengthen as they grow up.

Our firm understands that amicably finding a solution to custody disputes is critical but not always possible. Whether through mediation or custody litigation, our practice will guide you through this difficult process in a manner that ensures the best possible outcome for you and your child.

It is Possible to Resolve Complex Montana Custody Disputes?

The Montana Divorce Law Firm handles an extensive area of family law issues involving custody. From parenting plans, DCFS case representation, court order violations to abuse prevention, and grandparent rights, our attorneys have the successful track record you need to feel confident in our services. We excel at settling high-conflict matters, including:

• Custody Evaluations
• Paternity and DNA Testing
• Supervised Visitation Arrangements
• Child Support Modification and Determination
• Parental Relocation Cases
• Grandparent Rights
• Department of Family & Children Services Representation

Our firm is diligent about achieving an outcome that meets your needs in a custody matter while maximizing the benefit to your child.

How Montana Courts Determine Child Custody Issues

The primary focus of any Montana court presiding over a child custody case is that any decisions made benefit your child. There are many aspects to consider when developing a parenting situation that accomplishes this, including:

Parenting Plans

Courts around the United States, including in Montana, want parents to cooperate and agree on a parenting schedule before relying on a judge to do so. State law will require you to either submit a parenting plan together or individually. Our law firm can help you do either and ensure what you submit to the court is fair and best for your children. 

Appropriate Financial Support

While parents who do not have a pattern of adequately supporting their children will not have a favorable position with the court, this does not exclude them from their rights as a parent.

Health and Safety of the Child

Courts and parents should treat the health and safety of their children with the utmost care. Parents with a demonstrated history of child endangerment crimes, sex crime convictions, and other violent actions may have their visitation suspended or put on supervised status.

Meet the Emotional Needs of Your Children

Children need more than food, clothing, and shelter. The Montana Divorce Law Firm understands how custody cases often hinge on the emotional needs of the children involved. We ensure that you can show the court you do provide this vital factor.

Abusive Court Actions

If you are routinely being brought to court by an ex-spouse or partner to harass you over minor matters, you need an experienced custody attorney on your side to put a stop to it. Persons who abuse the court system to harass the other parent are not acting in the best interest of their child.

Types of Child Custody in Montana

The state of Montana relies on two primary forms of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. There is the possibility of a parent receiving sole custody, but this is usually under extreme circumstances. Many parents share their custody rights through joint custody.

Legal Custody

When a parent has legal custody, they make critical life decisions that directly affect their child. These choices could be regarding medical care, religion, or educational options. Often, both parents share this type of custody though one may have more say on the matter than the other.

Physical Custody

Typically, the parent a child lives with has physical custody. Shared custody is still possible, but Montana courts prefer to have one parent care for the child throughout the week, and the other parent takes over care on the weekend.

Montana Legal Guardianship Options

If you are a grandparent, aunt, or other related family member involved in the care of a minor child in your family, legal guardianship may become necessary. This type of custody allows you to make essential decisions for the child’s well-being and care for the child. Our Montana Divorce Attorney has helped hundreds of families get the legal custody necessary to ensure the continuity and stability of a child they are caring for, and we can assist you in this process too.

Grandparents Rights in Montana

Grandparents in Montana have the right to petition a court for visitation with their grandchildren despite parental objections. If a divorce has resulted in a former spouse preventing you from seeing your grandchild, contact our firm right away to learn how we can help you put a stop to this abusive behavior. You deserve to see your grandchildren and be a part of their lives.

Montana Child Custody Representation that Gets Results

We at the Montana Divorce Law Firm have counseled parents and grandparents regarding complex custody matters for several years. Our extensive trial experience has demonstrated our ability to successfully litigate contested custody cases, negotiate better parenting plans, and help reunite families after DCFS involvement.

Our firm prioritizes protecting your rights to see your children, be a part of their lives, and ensure their well-being is always at the forefront of every decision made. Attorney Joseph Frick is a recognized Top Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40 and leads the Montana Divorce Law Firm. He has helped families throughout the state resolve sensitive child custody cases and is available to advocate on behalf of your family.

The Montana Divorce Law Firm is available to you anytime by contacting us online or calling us at 406-206-3456 and discuss your family law situation.