Omaha Child Custody Attorneys
Protecting the Best Interests of You and Your Child in Nebraska
Having quality and consistent contact with your child is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship and playing a role in their upbringing. If you and your child’s other parent are not together, you may need to develop a child custody order to ensure that you have a say in your child’s care and have frequent access to them. The parenting plan should contain physical and legal custody provisions and cover various scenarios, such as how exchanges between you and the other parent will occur. Child custody matters can be emotional and difficult, as you and the other parent may have similar yet conflicting goals. If you need assistance with your case, reach out to a family law attorney.
At the Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, our Omaha child custody lawyers are here to help clients through sensitive legal matters. When you turn to us, we will take the time to listen to your goals and develop a legal strategy to protect your rights and pursue a just outcome. Our team employs a collaborative approach to handling cases. Thus, several attorneys may offer insights and input on how to move forward with your matter.
To discuss your child custody case, please contact us at 712-226-4000 today to get started with our Omaha child custody lawyers.
What Types of Child Custody Are Awarded in Nebraska?
Ultimately, the goal of child custody orders is to facilitate contact with both parents where reasonable. Nebraska law recognizes two types of child custody: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the right of a parent to make major decisions about their child’s care and upbringing, such as education, health, and religious practices. On the other hand, physical custody refers to where the child lives.
Legal and physical custody can be awarded as joint or sole. Joint legal custody means that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities in making decisions about their child’s care. Joint physical custody, meanwhile, means that the child spends significant amounts of time living with each parent. Sole legal and sole physical custody, as the names suggest, are awarded to only one parent.
At the Goosmann Law Firm, our child custody attorneys in Omaha can help you understand Nebraska’s laws and how the different arrangements may affect your family.
Who Can File for Custody in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, the legal framework for child custody is designed to prioritize the child’s best interests. Understanding who can file for custody is fundamental in initiating the legal process.
- Parents: Biological or adoptive parents are natural candidates to file for custody. When parents are divorced or separated, the court aims to determine the arrangement that best serves the child’s well-being.
- Legal Guardians: In certain cases, legal guardians may seek custody rights. Legal guardianship may be granted when it is deemed in the child’s best interest and when biological or adoptive parents are unable to fulfill their parental responsibilities.
- Relatives: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or relatives may file for custody under specific circumstances. The court evaluates the relative’s relationship with the child and whether granting custody is in the child’s best interest.
- Third Parties: Individuals who have established a significant relationship with the child, such as family, friends, or mentors, may seek custody rights. The court evaluates the nature of the relationship and the impact on the child’s well-being.
How Does the Court Determine Custody Arrangements?
A parenting arrangement must consider the child’s safety, growth, health, and physical care. The arrangement should include provisions for the following:
- Legal and physical custody
- Parenting time and visitation
- When the child spends time with each parent
- Place and times for exchanges
- How day-to-day decisions will be made
- Procedures for negotiating modifications
- Safety precautions
- Ensuring regular school attendance
Nebraska courts encourage parents to develop a parenting plan together. However, if a mutual agreement is not possible, the parents may have to attend mediation or pursue alternative dispute resolutions. Even if the parents can agree to a specific plan, the court must review it to ensure that it serves the child’s best interests.
What Factors Do The Courts Consider When Determining Child Custody?
Below are some of the factors the court considers when making its decision:
- The child’s relationship with each parent,
- The child’s wishes,
- The child’s health, welfare, and social behavior, and
- Any evidence of abuse against a family or household member.
If you need assistance developing a parenting plan, reach out to our Omaha child custody lawyers. We can help pursue an arrangement to protect what you value.
Contact Our Omaha Child Custody Lawyer Today
At the Goosmann Law Firm, we understand that your child is your top priority, and doing what is best for them is of the utmost importance. We will attend to the details of your case and work tirelessly to pursue a fair result.
Speak with a member of our Omaha child custody attorneys by calling 712-226-4000 or submitting an online contact form today.
