Defend Your Right To Child Custody And Modifications
When children are involved, they tend to be the only thing divorcing couples focus on. There are disputes regarding custody, visitation and support. If you are in this situation, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced Arkansas lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.
Since 1998, Tapp Law Firm has provided legal advice and representation to residents throughout Arkansas in family law matters. We understand that the best interests of the children of divorce are a priority. It is our goal to balance the goals of the parents with the needs of the children. Count on us to work through disputes in divorce mediation as much as possible. If a compromise cannot be reached through mediation, attorney Tylar Tapp is comfortable representing our clients in court.
We handle many high-conflict child custody cases. These include those involving sexual abuse allegations, domestic violence, and drug and/or alcohol abuse, where one party is seeking limitations on the other party’s parent-child relationship, such as no contact, limited contact or supervised contact between parent and child. These cases are often highly complex, and it is critical that they be managed strategically from the very beginning of the case. Trust attorney Tapp to perform a thorough investigation of your situation and provide valuable insight as to your best course of action.
To learn more about child custody, visit our Custody FAQ page.
The Joint Custody Presumption
In 2021, a new law went into effect in Arkansas establishing a presumption in favor of joint custody, meaning that the starting point for custody arrangements is equal time between parents. This legislative change reflects the belief that children benefit from maintaining strong relationships with both parents. Joint custody is now the norm, moving away from traditional arrangements where one parent might have limited visitation rights, such as a few weeks in the summer and holidays. Fathers, in particular, benefit from this change. Many fathers assume they can’t get equal time with their children, but that assumption is often unfounded.
To dispute the presumption of joint custody, a parent must provide clear and convincing evidence demonstrating that joint custody is not in the child’s best interests. This is a high legal standard. Clear and convincing evidence might include instances of abuse, neglect, chemical dependency or other circumstances that could harm the child’s well-being. Talk to our lawyer for further guidance on this standard.
Experienced Modifications Attorney In Hot Springs, Serving Arkansas
It is not uncommon for changes in life circumstances to occur after a divorce has been finalized. The loss of a job, desire for relocation or changing needs of a growing child can all lead to a necessary modification of the divorce judgment. Do not attempt to work through these modifications with your ex-spouse. Verbal agreements, unfortunately, cannot be enforced through the court system. Discuss your changing needs with a lawyer.
In Arkansas, you must prove a “material change of circumstances” in order to secure a custody modification. You must also establish that the requested change is in the child’s best interests. Attorney Tapp can evaluate your situation and determine whether you meet these standards. He understands how to present a compelling case for custody modifications that addresses these standards.
Contact Us For Advice On Custody
If you have questions regarding child custody and modifications, contact Tapp Law Firm at 501-623-9800 or complete our online contact form.