If You and Your Ex Can’t Agree, Talk to a Lawyer
Splitting up a family can evoke strong emotions in both children, parents, and their relatives. Parents have a deep-rooted instinct to protect their children, but trying to agree on custody can sometimes lead to a great deal of anger and bitterness.
These high-conflict child custody cases require the skills and experience of a dedicated lawyer. DiBella Law Offices, P.C., works to ensure that the best interests of the children are met; as well as to provide a resolution that is good for both parents whenever possible. If you and your ex can’t agree on a custody or visitation schedule in Boston, call (617) 870-0907 to schedule a free consultation with a Boston family law attorney.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Guardians Ad Litem
Determining who a child will live with is just one aspect of a larger situation, such as a divorce or the separation of parents who were not married but were living together. Emotions are already running high, and there can be a great deal of animosity that has nothing to do with parenting. While some parents are able to put their personal differences aside, others use child custody as a way to lash out and cause pain to the other parent.
In contentious Boston divorce proceedings, the family court will appoint a trained psychologist or a guardian ad litem, whose purpose is only to act in the interests of the child. This person will investigate and report to the court what he or she feels is best for the child. The information used to make this determination includes:
- Reviewing the child’s school and medical records
- Asking the opinions of any medical professionals or counselors who have worked with the child
- Speaking to neighbors, family members, friends, and teachers
- Observing how the child interacts with each of his or her parents
In addition, the guardian ad litem considers the financial stability of both parents – their ability to provide for the child in the future – as well as their emotional stability. This information is provided to the judge so he or she can determine who the child should live with and the amount of time the child should spend with the non-custodial parent.
Complications in Boston Custody Cases
There are other factors that can be used to determine whether one or both parents are unfit to have custody, including:
- Domestic abuse
- Child abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Substance abuse
- Parental alienation
One or both parents may lose sight of their shared desire to do what is best for their children when they are embroiled in a painful separation. Sadly, in some cases, the children become tools to use against the other partner rather than the focus for creating a healthy and stable home.
If you are facing a highly emotional divorce in the Boston area, you need an experienced legal team. Call DiBella Law Offices, P.C., at (617) 870-0907 to learn how our Boston divorce lawyers will work to help you create a fair and fulfilling custody agreement.
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