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Protecting Your Parental Rights

In child custody cases, many parents are afraid of losing their rights to make contact with their children and being required to pay large amounts of child support. Huntington-based attorneys from Sammons Olivero & Paraschos know the importance of fighting aggressively to protect a parent’s rights.

A child custody or shared parenting agreement protects your child from uncertainty. It will ensure they are cared for regardless of their relationship with their former spouse. Our family law attorneys have worked with countless families in the past to arrange shared parenting plans that both parties can agree on.

Working Together: Joint Custody And Shared Parenting

Many important issues warrant discussion during a divorce or separation; child custody agreements are considered the most critical issues in most divorce cases. All possible outcomes must be evaluated to make the best decision for the child and the family. We can walk you through this process and discuss options with both parties to formulate an agreement thoroughly and efficiently.

Legal child custody refers to decisions surrounding parental allocation, determining who is responsible for caring for and providing residency for a child following a divorce or separation. A parent with legal custody of a child is required by law to make decisions for the child. In medical or educational situations, a parent with legal custody is responsible for representing the child’s best interests.

In most child custody cases, the courts choose joint legal custody. Both parents will share the right and responsibility to make important decisions for their minor child. We can help you negotiate a shared parenting plan that is in the best interests of you and your child.

Agreeing On Visitation

The attorneys at Sammons Olivero & Paraschos are experienced in reaching child visitation and shared parenting agreements in matters dealing with visitation. In West Virginia, courts encourage parents to work together on a custody agreement and shared parenting plan, including a visitation schedule. Courts typically support agreements allowing the child to have significant contact with both parents.

However, parents cannot always agree, and the court may get involved. You must discuss your concerns with one of our family law attorneys as soon as possible following a divorce or separation decision. It is in the best interest of you and your child to evaluate all options and work with an attorney to advocate for an outcome in your favor.

Your Paternal Rights Matter

In West Virginia, unwed fathers have no legal right to child custody or visitation without an allocation of paternity. This means your child’s mother controls access to your child’s life. You have no legal recourse if she cuts off contact or relocates out of state.

By obtaining an allocation of parental rights, fathers have the right to custody or visitation arrangements. This also means they can be responsible for child support to care for their children financially. Still, they also have input into important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education and religious activities.

Grandparents May Have Rights Too

West Virginia law balances the right of a grandparent to see their grandchild with protecting parents from interference by grandparents. These laws in West Virginia are intricate and need the expertise of an experienced family lawyer. Our attorneys will help you prove what is in your grandchildren’s best interest. If the parents are unfit, we will fight for the best interests of the child and get you custody of your grandchildren.

If you have been denied visitation by the custodial parent for a period of six months or more and your child has been precluded from seeing the child by court order, in jail, deceased, or in the armed forces more than 100 miles away from the state border, you may be entitled to visitation. Also, if your grandchildren lived with you for an extended period but were removed by the custodial parent, you can seek visitation.

Taking Custody To Protect A Child

The attorneys at Sammons Olivero & Paraschos understand that there is an epidemic of drugs in West Virginia that causes parents to be unable to care for their children. Along with the drug problem in our community, there are many other reasons why a guardianship petition may be in the best interest of a child or incapacitated adult.

If you are appointed a legal guardian, you will be responsible for the living arrangements, education, health care, daily care and financial affairs of your ward. Whether you are a grandparent wanting to take care of your grandchildren or a close relative who wants to protect your family, we can help explain the legal process and determine your next steps. Our attorneys can move quickly to protect a child in a dangerous situation and gain guardianship to protect the child’s best interest.

Fighting For Custody With Your Best Interests In Mind

Whatever your child custody concern is, our experienced family law attorneys at Sammons Olivero & Paraschos can help you. We understand how sensitive these issues can be, and we always act in the best interests of you and the children in question. Call us now to discuss your case and schedule a consultation at 304-522-7730.