Custody, support and adoption
A plan your children can count on
Custody settles who makes the big decisions. Parenting time settles where the children sleep on a Tuesday. Support makes sure both homes work. I help you agree on all three, and change them when life does.
Judges look at what's best for the children, so that's where we start too: their school, their routines and the people they're close to. Many parents reach an agreement; when they can't, I'll make your case clearly and calmly.
I also handle adoptions that make an existing family official, most often a stepparent or a relative adopting a child they already raise.
What I can help with
Custody and decisions
Who decides about school, health care and religion, together or apart.
Parenting time
A week-by-week schedule, with holidays, summers and how hand-offs work.
Child support
An amount worked out from both parents' real income and the children's time in each home.
Changing an order
When a job, a move or a child's needs change, the order can change with them.
Moving with children
What to do before a move that would change the parenting schedule.
Stepparent and relative adoption
Consents, home study if one is needed, and the final hearing.
Questions about children and support
Will my children have to talk to the judge?
Usually not. Judges hear about children through their parents, and sometimes through a guardian or a professional appointed for them. I'll tell you early if that's likely in your case.
How is child support worked out?
It follows a set formula based on both parents' income and how much time the children spend in each home. I'll run the numbers with you before we agree to anything.
Can we change our order later?
Yes, when something important changes, like a new job, a move or a child's needs. If you both agree, it can be simple. If you don't, we ask the court.
What does a stepparent adoption involve?
Usually the consent of the other birth parent, or a court finding that it isn't needed, then paperwork and a short hearing. Once it's final, the stepparent is a legal parent in every way.
Tell me about your children
Start with what their weeks look like now. We'll work out the rest together.