Louisville Child Custody Lawyer

There is no duty more important than the responsibility to raise a child. Parents want to do everything in their power to ensure their child is raised in a safe and loving two-parent home, but when divorce becomes inevitable, tension between parents can arise, and children will become a sensitive topic. Whether you are a young family in the Highlands or a newly single parent in Crescent Hill, a Louisville child custody lawyer is here to support you and your child.

Why Trust Straw-Boone Doheny Banks Mudd Catalano & McKinney, PLLC

For over three decades, the compassionate team at Straw-Boone Doheny Banks Mudd Catalano & McKinney, PLLC has been helping families from all walks of life reach legal outcomes that serve the best interests of the children. We understand your desire to protect your children and are here to help you do just that by seeking the custody or visitation arrangement that meets their needs above all else.

At Straw-Boone Doheny Banks Mudd Catalano & McKinney, PLLC, we are well-versed in handling cases in Louisville, and throughout the state. We are a team of award-winning family lawyers, whose proven track record of success speaks for itself. We can advocate strongly for a case outcome that preserves your parental rights and offers your children a bright and stable future.

Types of Custody Available in Louisville

In Kentucky, the overall divorce rate is around 2.9 per 1,000 residents. Of note, historically, Kentucky’s divorce rate was higher than the rate of divorce for most of the country, but the Wall Street Journal recently reported from 2016 to 2023, our state’s rate dropped by around 25%.

In addition to these numbers, over one quarter of children under the age of 21 have one parent who lives outside of their household, or is considered noncustodial. Child custody cases are difficult and often emotionally tense. An attorney can help you better understand your custody case to ensure your rights are protected.

In the state of Kentucky, child custody can be legal or physical. Legal custody is defined as each parent’s duty and ability to make certain decisions for their child regarding religion, health care, and educational needs.

Physical custody refers to where the child will live. A family court in Kentucky, such as that located at the Jefferson County Judicial Center, can award custody in either a sole or joint arrangement.

These arrangements are defined as follows:

• Sole custody. In this custody arrangement, only one parent is given decision-making authority regarding the upbringing of the child. This might be a necessary arrangement in cases where one parent is deemed unfit for custody, such as in cases of domestic violence or substance abuse.
• Joint custody. In this arrangement, both parents share the decision-making, and duties of raising the child. This is often the case when parents can reach a level of mutual communication and cooperation regarding the well-being of their child.

Joint custody. In this arrangement, both parents share the decision-making, and duties of raising the child. This is often the case when parents can reach a level of mutual communication and cooperation regarding the well-being of their child.

Rights for Visitation in Kentucky

In cases where only one parent is awarded sole physical custody of the child or when the child primarily resides with only one of their parents, the other parent may be able to petition the courts to receive visitation rights. These rights are also referred to as parenting time or time sharing. This allows the noncustodial parent to have time with their child and ensures that–if it is in the best interests of the child–each parent remains active in their child’s life.

In Kentucky, visitation schedules can be customized and tailored to the unique schedules of both parents and of the children. However, there are two main types of visitation that are common in the state, including:

• Supervised visitation. In certain cases, where the child’s safety is called into question, the visitation of the noncustodial parent may be supervised by a third party. This can ensure that the parent is able to continue working on their relationship with their child, but does so in a safe and secure environment.
• Scheduled visitation. In this arrangement, there are specific days or times that are laid out for visitations, which will allow predictability for both the child and the parents.

Factors That Impact Custody Decisions

In cases where parents are unable to reach agreements regarding custody on their own, they will need to look to a family court judge to make these decisions for them. A judge will base their decision on a series of factors that will help them determine what type of custody arrangement will be in the best interests of the child.

These factors include the following:

• The current mental and physical health of both parents
• The current health needs of the child
• The current living situation and state of the home for each parent
• The child’s ability to make necessary adjustments to a new home environment
• Any history of substance abuse or domestic violence on the part of either parent
• The parents’ location in regard to important places for the child, such as the child’s current school, their community, or their church
• The child’s own preferences, if they are deemed mature enough to offer a reasonable expression of their wishes
• The relationship shared between the child and each parent.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer Today

When facing a child custody case in Louisville, you need to hire a child custody lawyer who understands both the legal system and the rights you are entitled to as a parent. You also want an attorney who will make the best interests of your child a priority. For the legal counsel and representation you can trust, you need to contact Straw-Boone Doheny Banks Mudd Catalano & McKinney, PLLC. We are here to advocate for you, no matter what. Set up a consultation today.