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400 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901

Established Arkansas Lawyers Advise Parents on Child Custody Matters

Hot Springs firm works to create a healthy environment for young people

Marriages and other relationships end, but when minor children are involved, custody decisions can have significant effects on everyone involved for years to come. Knowledgeable advice from an experienced family law attorney can help establish and enforce terms that protect parental bonds while giving children the best chance to thrive. Located in Hot Springs, Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh represents clients throughout Arkansas in child custody proceedings that are part of divorces or breakups between unmarried parents. Arkansas courts, like the courts in every state, make determinations in these matters based on what judges believe to be in the best interests of the child, but that can be a complicated calculation. Our firm thoroughly researches information regarding each child’s physical, educational and social needs, to create the strongest possible case for a fair result, whether in negotiations, mediation or litigation.

Dedicated family law advocates deliver comprehensive support

Custody orders state how legal authority and residential issues are to be handled when parents no longer live together. Both legal and physical custody can be awarded on a sole or joint basis. Our family law attorneys deliver effective counsel tailored to each client’s goals and needs, including detailed advice on:

  • Factors — When mothers and fathers cannot agree on legal authority or a child’s living arrangements, judges will make those decisions by examining a range of factors, such as each parent’s willingness to cooperate with their former partner and any history of substance or physical abuse. If a child is of sufficient age and maturity to express their preference thoughtfully, a judge can consider their preference but does not have to follow the child’s wishes.
  • Visitation — If one parent is awarded sole physical custody, the other parent should be able to maintain a strong relationship with their child unless some type of danger exists. We work on behalf of parents to create clear, enforceable terms regarding visitation that include provisions on weekday, weekend and holiday time as well as transportation and other contacts.
  • Mediation — Divorced couples raising children together must cooperate for years after the marriage ends. With this in mind, it’s often preferable to handle custody and visitation arrangements through mediation rather than leaving these decisions up to a judge. In mediation, both parties feel that their interests and concerns will be reflected in the order entered by the court. Even when there is a sharp disagreement on other factors, we can often achieve a fair custody plan under the supervision of a neutral third party.

When dealing with matters pertaining to custody and child support, our accomplished attorneys blend strong advocacy with compassionate guidance to give young people the best chance to thrive in their new situation.

Contact an accomplished Arkansas child custody attorney for a consultation

Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh advises Arkansas parents on child custody matters and a full range of family law concerns. Please call 501-762-0887 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Hot Springs office.