Whether in Utah or any other state, divorce is an emotionally charged process, especially when children are involved. As a leading family law attorney in Layton, we often see parents attacking each other over child custody disputes. Unfortunately, this can add to the anxiety and uncertainty your children are already facing due to divorce.
In these sensitive times, you need to think about what’s in the best interest of your children. They don’t deserve a payback for what your ex did. You will need to find a solution that puts the well-being of your children front and center and suits both you and your ex. A skilled and professional Utah family attorney can play a crucial role in helping you navigate these legal complexities.
How? Let’s find out.
Why Do Child Custody Battles in Utah Arise?
Like the rest of the US, in Utah, child custody disputes arise when parents cannot agree on the custody arrangement. In many cases, parenting styles clash, resulting in disagreements that end up in the court. However, relocation plans, career changes, and other unforeseen circumstances can also lead to child custody disputes. Whatever the reasons, it’s best to resolve your child custody dispute quickly. The sooner you end this argument, the faster your children can get on with their lives.
What’s the Role of a Family Law Attorney in Utah in Custody Disputes
Most child custody battles in Utah are complex. And with the emotions running at an all-time high, you are likely to lose sight of your priorities as a parent. With the help of a reliable lawyer, you can prioritize your family’s best interest. As a seasoned family law attorney in Layton, we recommend the following:
1. Provide Objective Legal Guidance
Child custody laws in Utah focus on the well-being of your children. However, understanding these laws is often an uphill task for parents. These laws are complex and may change over time.
Hiring a local family law attorney can help you guide through the maze of these complex laws. They know the family laws and court procedures like the back of their hand. For example, if you live in Davis County, you are better off hiring a trusted family law attorney in Layton.
Your lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Their level-headed legal advice can be crucial in this emotionally supercharged situation. It will help you look at the bigger picture. Who knows, you might be able to find a long-term solution with the help of your lawyer.
2. Protect Your Parental Rights
A good family law lawyer helps you decide your parental rights. For one, they ensure your ex isn’t infringing on your parental rights. Secondly, they can provide objective and empathetic advice, ensuring you don’t make mistakes you might regret later.
They can also help you negotiate mutually beneficial child custody. Your ex will most likely have a lawyer. But more importantly, your lawyer will help you focus on the well-being of your kids throughout the process.
3. Help Decide Your Child Support Payments
Almost all child custody disputes in Utah have one thing in common – child support payments. Of course, you can use the Utah child support calculator. However, your lawyer will do a much better job than a simple calculator.
Determining child support can be complex. The court will often consider factors like childcare costs, special needs of the children, gross income of both parents, who pays for children’s healthcare, and the age of your children, among other things. With a lawyer, you can get fair and equitable child support.
4. Protect You from False Allegations
Being sought-after family law attorneys in Layton, we have seen and heard many heated custody disputes. During disputes, accusations often fly, including those of abuse or neglect.
Never take these accusations lightly. They can have far-reaching consequences for you and your children. For instance, you might lose visitation or custody rights if you don’t contest these allegations in court. Also, false allegations will damage your reputation. But most importantly, these accusations can have a lasting emotional impact on your children.
A competent lawyer can help you overthrow these baseless accusations. They can fight for your legal rights and hold your ex responsible for their false accusations. In Utah, the party making these accusations may face steep fines and other legal penalties.
5. Facilitate Mediation
Not all child custody battles in Utah end up in the court. It’s possible to resolve your custody disagreements through mediation. In fact, the court will most likely ask you to try mediation at least once before going to trial.
Mediation is a fast, reliable, and cost-effective way to resolve custody disputes. It allows you to negotiate a child custody agreement outside the court. The court will appoint a mediator to facilitate the process.
Your lawyer will prevent you from making emotional, snap decisions during the mediation. They will help you find a mutual solution that is in the best interest of your children. Even if you are going for a mediation, we recommend hiring an attorney who has handled Utah child custody cases like yours.
6. Represent You in the Court
Sometimes, mediation fails, leaving you no choice but to prepare for a trial. Although child custody trials in Utah are rare, they do happen. When you face a trial, go in prepared. A skilled lawyer will provide a sound legal representation in the court.
A reliable Utah family attorney knows the court procedures and state’s custody laws. They will also take care of all the paperwork. They will interview witnesses, cross-check witness testimonies, and present evidence to support your parental rights.
7. Help Modify Your Child Custody
Like most other states, child custody and parenting time are modifiable in Utah. Either you or your ex can request the modification. Whether due to relocation or changes in employment, your attorney can help you file this request. They can also help you negotiate new terms with your ex. In short, your attorney can make this process as hassle-free for you as possible.
Conclusion
Handling a child custody dispute in Utah can be more complex than anticipated. In this emotionally charged situation, you are likely to make rash decisions that will have long-term consequences. A reliable, competent family law lawyer can help you make an informed and objective decision. They can ensure that your voice is heard and the custody arrangement is in the best interest of your children. The bottom line is – if you are facing a custody battle, don’t go it alone.
Facing a custody dispute? Jeremy Atwood Law can help. We have helped many parents reach mutual custody solutions. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can help you.