Child custody is one of the most important decisions that will be made when it comes to divorce. A divorce can have major effects on a child and it is important to do what is best for your kids. Unfortunately, parents often have a difficult time agreeing when it comes to custody. Custody is a sensitive subject as both parents may have very strong and differing opinions when it comes to their child’s wellbeing. As a result, custody is often determined by the court. In some cases, a parent will be deemed unfit and will not be awarded custody, or a parent will be awarded custody but subsequently lose it. Read on to learn more about why parents lose custody and what to do if this occurs.
How is Custody Determined?
When it comes to custody, the goal is to do what is best for the child. Some of the factors the court may examine when it comes to making a custody decision include:
- The stability of each household
- Any history of domestic violence
- Any history of alcohol/substance abuse
- Who parented the child more often before the divorce
- How the decision will impact the child’s needs (educational, physical, and psychological).
- The parent’s ability to meet the needs of the child
Why do Parents Lose Custody?
The most common reasons a parent will lose custody include:
- Neglect
- Physical abuse of the child
- Mental/emotional abuse of the child
- Domestic violence
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Child abduction
- Unwillingness to co-parent
Can I Get Custody Back?
Losing custody can be devastating for both parent and child and situations such as these can be complicated. Luckily, losing custody does not have to be permanent. Most likely, you have lost custody for one or more of the reasons listed above. If you can address the issues and prove that they will no longer be an issue, you may be able to regain custody. For example, if you lost custody due to struggles with drug addiction, you may be able to partake in a program to help. One of the most important things to do when fighting for custody is to find the right family law attorney. A dedicated attorney will help advocate for you and help you through the process.
If you have lost custody, contact our firm today to discuss your options.
Contact our Firm
For over 30 years, The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. has provided quality legal support and representation for clients in Bristol County and all of Massachusetts. Our firm’s experience eases the stress of clients while providing the legal services they deserve. If you need help through a contested divorce, contact The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. for a consultation today.
