Joint Custody
Experienced Lawyer Helping Families Find The Right Joint Custody Solution
At the Law Offices of Lisa A. Ruggieri, P.C., we understand the physical, emotional and financial challenges that parents face when transitioning from a two-parent to one-parent household. You are concerned about your parental rights and how your time with your children may be restricted. Most importantly, you are concerned about the well-being of your children and how they will mentally survive the split.
At our Wellesley law firm, attorney Lisa A. Ruggieri offers experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance to help you through this difficult phase in your life. We have helped countless Massachusetts mothers and fathers through the process of achieving fair solutions in child custody and visitation matters.
Discuss your personal situation with an experienced Boston and Wellesley joint custody attorney. Call the Law Offices of Lisa A. Ruggieri, P.C., in Wellesley, Massachusetts, at 781-489-3759 or send us an email to arrange a consultation.
Is Joint Custody Right For Your Situation?
There are many different forms of joint custody, and not every type of joint custody is appropriate for every situation. It is important to understand the legal components of custody and identify a solution that is appropriate based upon the best interests of your children.
In Massachusetts, child custody is broken down into legal custody and physical custody, both of which can be awarded jointly to both parents or solely to one parent:
- Joint legal custody: Legal custody refers to the decision-making authority of the parents. In most situations, it is usually in the best interest of the children for the parents to share joint legal custody. This allows both parents to share in taking an active role in the children’s lives. Parents work together to make decisions regarding health care, education, religion and other important decisions affecting the upbringing of the children. In some situations, however, it is more appropriate to award sole legal custody to one parent. This may be appropriate if one parent is in jail, if a parent has subjected the children to abuse or neglect, or various other situations.
- Joint physical custody: Physical custody refers to the parent with whom the children share primary residence. One parent may be awarded sole physical custody with the other parent having considerable parenting time or visitation, or the parents may be awarded joint physical custody where the children spend substantial time during the week residing with each parent. Many parents initially believe joint physical custody is appropriate. And for some, it works well. For others, it is impractical for the children to have two primary residences and to continue jumping between households during the week. In working together to make decisions, rather than leaving matters to an impartial judge, parents can find a co-parenting solution that is tailored to their needs and the needs of their children.
Wellesley joint custody attorney Lisa A. Ruggieri is a skilled negotiator and advocate who can help you achieve a parenting plan that works for your situation.
Contact Our Natick Divorce And Child Custody Lawyer
We can help you find a solution that preserves your goals and is in the best interests of your children. Contact our family law firm to arrange a consultation with a skilled Wellesley joint custody attorney and custody dispute lawyer. Call 781-489-3759.
We offer evening and weekend appointments for your convenience.
