Marion County Child Custody Lawyer

Marion County Child Custody Attorney

Contesting the custody of a child is never easy. When family bonds and the welfare of a child are at stake, emotions naturally run high. It is a process that understandably can leave petitioners feeling frustrated, angry, and alone. At such times, you need the guidance and support of an experienced lawyer, and our Marion County child custody lawyer is here to help.

Berry Law Firm has served the town of Colombia and the greater Marion County for over a decade to help them resolve child custody issues. With a track record of success, we are here to offer advice and be a fierce advocate on your behalf.

Factors That Can Support a Claim

When a dispute over custody escalates into litigation, it is essential to make sure you are taking the proper steps to support your claim. The first of these is gathering evidence to show the court that you:

• Have a close relationship with your child. Evidence of this can be shown by things like communication records between the two of you, evidence of your involvement in school activities, and other general documentation such as photos and video, that might show you have a healthy and supportive relationship.
• Are a mentally and emotionally stable caregiver. Character references from people involved in your family’s life can be very helpful to support this. If you are worried about anything that might undermine this claim, such as a history of mental health or behavioral issues, obtaining testimonials from a health professional who can verify your condition has improved can be very helpful.
• You are a better caregiver than your spouse. While this can be uncomfortable, it is essential to show that you are the better choice. Evidence of the other parent’s inability as a caregiver can come in the same forms that support your claim. Character references, the testimony of medical professionals, and any documentation you have that shows your spouse cannot provide the same stability as you can help resolve a custody dispute in your favor.

While many of these factors fall under what is generally considered to be in the best interest of the child, Mississippi courts codified these considerations after a 1983 state landmark case that led to what is referred to as the Albright factors.

The Advantages of Having a Lawyer

There are practical, emotional, and economic reasons to have an experienced attorney at your side. Having someone who is experienced with the process, knows what steps need to be taken, and how evidence should be presented is integral to building a strong case.

It is undeniable that where the welfare of a child is concerned, emotions run high. Having a third party who can advocate on your behalf is indispensable in making sure that you have all the advantages you can when going to court and assisting you in making the right decisions for your case.

Bitterness between two parents often leads to unnecessary feuding. A byproduct of this is that a case often drags on for longer than necessary, making a custody case more expensive than it would otherwise be. By having an objective lawyer advocate on your behalf, your case can move forward with a focus on resolution, ultimately saving you time and money.

FAQs

How Much Does a Custody Lawyer Cost in Mississippi?

How much a lawyer costs depends on a variety of things, such as the complexities of the case, how long it might take to resolve, and the individual rates of the attorneys. Circumstances such as whether a custody case is contested can greatly affect how much time a lawyer needs to devote to litigation. If you would like to discuss the possible cost of retainer’s fees, contact our Colombia location to speak with a Marion County child custody lawyer today.

Who Pays Court Costs in Child Custody Cases?

Who pays court costs in child custody cases depends on a number of things. Initial costs for the custody petition fall on the parent initiating the filing. During court proceedings, the legal expenses for each side fall to their respective parties. It should be noted that in Mississippi, the court has a high degree of discretion, and a judge can allocate legal costs as they see fit, depending on a number of factors.

What Things Should Not Be Said in Child Custody Court?

It is important to know what should not be said in a child custody case. During proceedings, what is at stake is the child’s well-being. Anything that undermines this will hurt a parent’s case.

Avoid making any statements that are not supported by evidence and rely on subjective, emotional opinions. Absolutely avoid telling any falsehoods, exaggerating the truth, or simply badmouthing the other parent with unsubstantiated claims.

Is Mississippi a 50/50 custody state?

No, Mississippi is not a 50/50 custody state. While joint custody does exist as an option, parents are not necessarily given equal time or decision-making power with regard to their child. In Mississippi, joint custody simply means that both parents will be afforded time with their child and agree to share information and confer with each other. The nature of joint custody and how much say each parent has is up to the discretion of the court.

Contact Us

There is no reason to enter a child custody case alone. At Berry Law Firm, our attorneys understand how difficult custody cases can be. Our child custody lawyer is ready to work on your behalf and offer guidance as a determined counselor.

Whether you need assistance in navigating the complexities of court procedure, advice on what evidence can bolster your claims for the custody of your child, or counsel on the intricacies of post-litigation custody, our team is ready to serve you.

At Berry Law Firm, we have deep ties to the community and firmly believe that helping our clients helps our home. Recognized as a leader in the Mississippi legal community, Berry Law Firm can assist you in building your case.

For more information, please contact us today to speak with a skilled attorney and start the process of finding a resolution to your child custody case.