Massachusetts Child Custody Attorney

Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests

Child custody and visitation rank among the most important legal issues many people will ever face.

Children and parents need strong relationships with each other. When you and your child’s other parent do not live together, creating a custody plan and visitation schedule that works for everyone can be challenging.

I understand these challenges firsthand. I have been divorced, and I am remarried to a divorced father. I raised a blended family, and I understand the issues that can arise.

I am Claudette-Jean Girard, Attorney at Law, and I represent parents throughout western Massachusetts during initial child custody and visitation determination and when changes in custody or visitation schedules are needed. Contact me to arrange a initial consultation.

Setting Up Your Initial Child Custody And Visitation Order

I provide experienced, caring legal help with child custody and visitation determinations, either during the divorce or for unmarried parents.

When it comes to child custody and visitation matters in Massachusetts, the courts focus on your children’s best interests. Although this is important, your order or agreement should also be fair to you.

You will need to work with your kids’ other parent in the long term. My goal is to help you negotiate an agreement that everyone can live with. If necessary, I can protect your interests and those of your children in court.

Options When Your Child’s Other Parent Is Denying You Visitation

Although we hope it never happens, some parents do try to limit the other parent’s ability to spend time with the kids.

Occasionally, the reasons are legitimate — but neither parent has the right to change visitation arrangements without getting a modification to the court order.

Unfortunately, many parents deny child visitation without involving the courts. If this is happening to you, you can request a contempt of court hearing.

No one has the right to keep you from your court-ordered child visitation. If you have concerns, contact me today to arrange a consultation.

Changes In Custody And Visitation

I also help with getting changes in custody or visitation. A change in child custody or visitation is accomplished by going back to court and asking for a modification to the order.

You can obtain a visitation or child custody modification for a variety of reasons, such as a substantial change in circumstances or if there is proof that one parent is abusing or neglecting the children.

An experienced family lawyer can protect your interests without compromising your children’s. We can work together to develop a solution that works best for you and your family.

For a consultation about child custody or visitation, call 877-622-6089. I offer weekday, evening and weekend appointments, at a location convenient to you.