A Trusted Legal Ally For Child Custody Matters In Delaware
When parents divorce, the most critical decisions they have to make involve the care and well-being of their minor children. This is also true when unmarried parents separate. The personal stakes in a child custody case are so high that these matters must be handled with the utmost care and sensitivity.
At The Law Office of Shauna T. Hagan, LLC, the experienced attorney helps Wilmington parents navigate complex child custody issues. Family law attorney Shauna T. Hagan will work with you personally to help you get through this stressful time so you can look forward to a bright and stable tomorrow.
Protecting What Matters Most
The guiding principle in any child custody case is to protect the best interests of the child. In most cases, judges will favor an arrangement in which both parents play an active role in the child’s life. Determining legal and physical custody can be the subject of intense and emotionally wrenching conflict.
- Legal custody concerns decision-making authority over important aspects of the child’s life such as religion, health care and education
- Physical custody concerns where the child actually lives and holds residence
Child custody lawyer Shauna Hagan is an understanding ally for parents engaged in custody disputes. She understands that a prolonged conflict only increases stress on the child and, therefore, works carefully to help parents find common ground.
Third-Party Custody Cases
In some cases, it is in the child’s best interests to live with a nonparent such as a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle or another close relative. In such a situation, the party seeking custody may need to terminate the parent’s parental rights and seek guardianship over the child. If you are a nonparent seeking custody of a minor child in Delaware, attorney Hagan can help you understand your rights and options as you seek to do what is best for your loved one.
Shauna is a child custody attorney who understands the unique challenges of these third-party custody cases. She will take the time to learn about your unique situation and develop a strategy that will help you achieve custody of your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody
Child custody law is complex and often changing. It’s crucial to understand the legalities of this sensitive topic when seeking custody of a child during a divorce or separation. Shauna is an experienced child custody lawyer who will provide you with answers to some common custody-related questions she receives from clients.
What is a parenting plan, and why is it important?
A parenting plan is a customized agreement that outlines how you and your co-parent will share responsibilities and make decisions for your child’s care. This plan is important because it:
- Establishes a routine and stability for your child
- Defines co-parenting roles and responsibilities
- Helps prevent conflicts and misunderstandings
- Prioritizes your child’s physical, emotional and psychological needs
- Identifies living arrangements and schedules, education and extracurricular activities, health care decisions, and holiday and vacation planning
What factors do courts consider when determining child custody?
When determining child custody in Delaware, you can expect the courts to prioritize your child’s best interests. To make this decision, the court considers several key factors, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s physical, emotional and mental needs
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving environment
- Any history of domestic violence or abuse
- The child’s preference, if they are old enough to express one
The court’s primary goal is to ensure your child’s well-being and safety. Working with a skilled child custody lawyer can help you secure custody of your child while prioritizing your child’s best interests.
What are my rights as a noncustodial parent?
A noncustodial parent is a parent who doesn’t have primary physical custody of their child but still has a significant role in their life. Noncustodial parents in Delaware have specific rights that are essential to maintaining a relationship with their children. This includes:
- Regular visitation and communication with your child
- Access to your child’s medical and educational records
- Participation in major decision-making regarding your child’s welfare
- The ability to request modifications to the custody arrangement if circumstances change
It’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as a noncustodial parent to ensure you can provide the best possible support and care for your child. The Wilmington firm’s child custody lawyer is dedicated to representing noncustodial parents during complex custody issues.
A Caring Child Custody Attorney Who Is Here For You
Child custody issues can be difficult to deal with, but you don’t have to face them alone. Attorney Shauna T. Hagan is here to provide you with strong advocacy and compassionate guidance throughout the course of your family law case. To arrange a consultation with an experienced child custody attorney in Wilmington, contact the law office online or by telephone at (302) 321-6489.