Child custody can be one of the most challenging issues to resolve during the divorce process. Typically there are two types of custody -- legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is the authority to make important decisions regarding the welfare of the child including health, education and religious matters. Physical custody relates to who is providing the day-to-day care for the child. Both legal and physical custody can be either joint or sole. Generally, it is best for the divorcing parents to come to an agreement as to child custody; however, if a decision cannot be made by the parents, the Court will make the decision based on the best interests of the child.
It is the goal of Diane to not only assist the client in reaching a satisfactory resolution of custody matters, but to assist the client in reaching a resolution that is in the best interests of the child who oftentimes has very little say in these matters. It is this philosophy which she believes leads to a longer term resolution that is more permanent and less likely to lead to financially and emotionally draining litigation in the future. Having said that, not all parents are able to work together to arrive at an arrangement that is best for their children and it is in these circumstances that it is imperative to have a vigorous, fair attorney working for you.
CHILD CUSTODY