Child Custody & Visitation

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Child custody (determining the child’s residence) and visitation (offering parenting time by the noncustodial parent) are typically the most important issues you will face in a divorce or modification action. Whether you are seeking full custody, joint custody or to expand your visitation rights, our experienced attorneys will protect your rights. At the Omaha office of Vacanti Shattuck, we help mothers and fathers negotiate parenting plans that allow them to spend the maximum amount of parenting time with their children.

Child custody cases can be an emotional experience for all involved, especially for children. It can be challenging to figure out a viable plan that will work with both parents and their children. It is vital to seek the legal assistance of a Nebraska child custody lawyer. Your attorney will guide you through the child custody process efficiently and respectfully while keeping the dynamic of your family in mind.

• What Do Nebraska Courts Consider When Determining Child Custody In A Same Sex Divorce Case?
• Who Has Custody Of A Child When The Parents Are Not Married In Nebraska?
• Are There Different Types Of Custody Available In Nebraska?
• How Long Do Child Custody Matters Generally Take To Be Settled?

• What Are The Rules Pertaining To Relocation Of A Parent In A Child Custody Matter?
• What Constitutes Relocation Under Family Law In Nebraska?
• What Are Restrictions On Relocation Of A Parent Under Nebraska State Law?
• How Is Jurisdiction Defined If The Parents Reside In Separate States?
• What Is The Process To Apply For Relocating With A Child?

Non-Parental Child Custody 

 

When child custody is discussed, the notion usually involves the parents and the children of a family trying to figure out the best solution for custody and care during a divorce. Sometimes, however, child custody cases involve other people who wish to obtain custody that are not their biological or adoptive parents.

 

People who wish to obtain custody that are not the biological or adoptive parents of a child include grandparents, aunts, uncles, other relatives, and close family friends. Similar to parental child custody, there are specific procedures that must be followed to acquire custody. The person seeking custody will need to follow the process with the courts and file a petition. The petition will state the person’s relationship to the child as well as the reasons behind their request.

 

Children involved in a custody dispute where a family member wishes to obtain guardianship is often the result of unfit parenting. Unfit parenting can be due to abuse, drug addiction, or negligence. However, custody can also be sought if both parents have suddenly passed away, and the children require guardianship or custody. Regardless of the nature of the child custody case, it is imperative to seek the knowledgeable counsel of a Nebraska child custody lawyer to discuss a favorable solution specific to your case. 

 

Changing a Child’s Last Name

 

Cases that involve child custody can be complicated. Each case is unique, and parents sometimes have requests and expectations that need to be granted by the courts before any action can be taken. One such request is a name change. If a parent wishes to change the last name of a child, it needs to be granted by the court.

 

Custody rights do not determine a parent’s legal right to change a child’s last name. If the child has a relationship with the other parent, the court may not grant the request for the change, even if the parent petitioning for the request has sole custody. However, if both parents agree on the change of name, then the court will most likely grant a court order. If the other parent is not involved in the child’s life, but he or she objects to the request, a court order for the name change may still be possible. The primary custodial parent must prove the reasons why the change is in the child’s best interest. If the court approves and grants a court order, all legal documents pertaining to the child must also be changed or updated. These documents include birth certificate, passport, and social security card.

 

Child custody cases can be overwhelming, but with the right help from an Omaha child custody attorney, the process can be less strenuous and intimidating. Consult with a Nebraska child custody lawyer at the offices of Vacanti Shattuck Attorneys today.

Joint, sole, legal, physical — types of custody in Nebraska

• Legal custody refers to the right of a parent to participate in major decisions affecting their child. Nebraska family law is becoming more receptive to joint legal custody, an arrangement where each parent has input on the medical treatment, education and religion of the children and has the right to communicate with the child’s teachers and doctors, regardless of living arrangements.
• Physical custody refers to the amount of time a child spends with each parent. Traditionally, there is a sole custody arrangement, where the child lives with one parent and the other parent has established parenting time (visitation). It is not common for the court to order joint physical custody, where the schedule of time the child spends at each parent’s home is nearly equal. Court-ordered child support payments will be determined in part by the physical custody arrangement.

In loco parentis

Under the law in Nebraska, a non-biological or non-adoptive parent will generally lack the ability to seek custody or visitation.

However, there is a legal doctrine that may allow you to seek custody or visitation. The doctrine is in loco parentis and it states that a non-biological or non-adoptive parent may be awarded custody or visitation if the non-biological or non-adoptive parent has acted like the biological parent by assuming the obligations and responsibilities of caring for the child.

The ultimate concern is the best interests of the child. The Court will consider the relationship between you and the child and will examine the strength of the bond formed between the both of you. The Court is generally looking for an intimate parental relationship between you and the child, just as if you were the child’s biological parent.

If you are married, an in loco parentis relationship will automatically end when your marriage is dissolved, unless you actively desire to maintain a relationship with the child after the dissolution. For non-biological and non-adoptive parents, the concern is overcoming the parental preference doctrine.

Parental preference

Parental preference is a legal doctrine that provides that a biological or adoptive parent should not lose custody of their child to a non-biological or non-adoptive parent, unless it is affirmatively shown that the parent is unfit or has forfeited their rights to the child.

A biological parent losing their parental rights may be brought about through the indifference of that parent for the child’s welfare over a long period of time.

A non-biological or non-adoptive parent will have to overcome the extremely high presumption that the best interests of the child are served by reuniting the child with his or her biological parent.

Child custody mediation

Nebraska law requires parents to participate in divorce mediation (family mediation) during child custody proceedings, realizing that an agreement worked out between the parents is nearly always preferable to one imposed by a judge. Our attorneys will explain what your rights are and what impact each type of custody arrangement will have on your legal position. We will arrange for your attendance at the required parent education courses (designed to help minimize the trauma of divorce or custody proceedings for your child) and help you prepare for mediation.

When to go to trial over custody

We always prepare for trial, but hope to resolve our client’s case before going to court. Sometimes parents are not able to resolve all custody and visitation issues in mediation. If that is the case in your child custody dispute, we will then try to negotiate a fair and reasonable parenting plan on your behalf. If mediation and negotiation fail, however, we are skilled trial lawyers. If all or some issues remain unresolved, we will not hesitate to go to court to protect your rights and your child’s welfare.

Factors considered by the court in a child custody decree

The courts will look towards the best interests of the children when determining custody. Factors considered include the relationship of the child to each parent, the child’s preferences (if the court considers the child old enough) and the child’s general health, welfare and social behavior. The court will also consider evidence of domestic abuse. Nebraska law does not allow a judge to consider gender when issuing a child custody decree. See Father’s Rights.

Attorneys at Vacanti Shattuck will ensure that the proper evidence is secured and presented in support of your case. You will be instructed in proper recordkeeping and how to document events so that they can be presented in court. In short, we will fight to keep you in your children’s lives in a vital and substantial way.

Modification of custody and visitation

Our lawyers represent parents in modification proceedings. Modification of custody and visitation can be requested when there is a change in the child’s needs, a parental relocation out of state or a change in a parent’s situation.

If you are in the process of selecting a lawyer to represent you in child custody or visitation proceedings or have another question about our practice, we invite you to e-mail us or call our office at (402) 235-6070.