Whether you are seeking a divorce or resolution of a paternity claim, custody issues involving minor children can quickly become complex. We are experienced in litigating custody cases between parents who are divorcing or those who were never married (often called paternity actions).

Advocacy for You and Your Child

In a custody dispute, it is critical your attorney is able to align your interests with the best interests of your child. Massachusetts law specifically provides all child custody-related matters shall be made in the best interest of the minor child. It is important you obtain the best attorney to protect your children’s interests in contentious litigation, or a permanent separation from your spouse or partner.

Antonioni & Antonioni Law Office has extensive experience handling custody disputes. Our lawyers will take the time to understand your individual needs and work strategically to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

What Child Custody Can Determine in Massachusetts

Custody of the minor children will determine:

• Where a child will reside on a daily or weekly basis
• Whether there will be primary (day-to-day) custody of the minor children by both parents, often known as joint physical custody
• Whether one party will have primary (day-to-day) custody of the minor children, known as sole physical custody
• Whether both parties will have joint legal custody and be involved in the major decisions parents are called to make for their children, including religious upbringing, health care, school and educational placements, day care placement, social and sports involvement for the child(ren), and the like
• The naming of a child, and
• How parenting time will be split between a custodial and noncustodial parent, often called visitation rights

Child custody and visitation issues can be difficult for all parties involved — emotionally and financially. The attorneys at Antonioni & Antonioni Law Office work to resolve divorce matters quickly to keep our fees reasonable, and to get you through the process and on to your new life.

Visitation and Co-Parenting Issues

Child custody determinations are closely related to issues concerning co-parenting and visitation. In nearly every case where one party is assigned sole physical custody, the courts will determine a schedule of parenting time for the noncustodial parent (the parent who does not have day-to-day oversight of the minor children).

Visitation-related matters often include the following:

• The initiation, or re-establishment of visitation rights between a parent and minor children
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Daily or weekly time with minor children
• Weekend visitation as well as allocation of holidays, school and summer vacations
• Vacations or temporary trips outside of Massachusetts or the United States
• Transportation of children to and from both parents, school and work and children’s extracurricular activities

We are experienced in mediating and litigating often contentious child custody cases involving these issues, and crafting agreements for parties involving daily and weekly parenting time with minor children.

Contact Us About Your Visitation or Custody Case Today

Whether you are facing a divorce, modification of a prior divorce or custody order, or facing a unique custody situation, you need an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and the best interests of your children.

To arrange a free, initial legal consultation with our child custody attorneys in Leominster, please call 978-401-0823 or contact us by e-mail. You are under no obligation to retain our services.