Navigating a divorce or separation is hard enough. Deciding how to parent your child moving forward can be even harder. One common option is shared child custody—legally referred to as “joint custody” in Louisiana. This arrangement gives both parents time and authority to make decisions for the child. Before you agree to any plan, it’s …
Drug use can directly affect the outcome of a custody case in Louisiana. If you’re worried that your child’s other parent is using drugs, you may be able to ask the court for drug testing. Understanding how to request a drug test in your child custody case can help you protect your child’s well-being and …
Sometimes, after you receive a child custody order, circumstances may arise that justify a change to the child custody agreement. For example, you or the other parent may have started a new job, or your child may prefer to live with you now instead of your ex. You might wonder how you can go about …
Most parents want to have a successful co-parenting relationship with their ex-spouse after divorce. Working together as a unit can benefit the children and make adjusting to divorce easier for everyone. However, when your former spouse is a narcissist, child custody issues can become more difficult than ever to navigate in Louisiana. If you’re facing …
Family law matters are rarely easy, especially when a child’s safety is at risk. In urgent situations, Louisiana courts allow parents or guardians to request what’s called an ex parte custody order. This type of child custody order is issued without advance notice to the other parent, which is unusual in most legal proceedings. However, …
At one point in history, most courts favored mothers when awarding child custody because judges believed that mothers were more nurturing and suitable caregivers than fathers. Specifically, many states employed the Tender Years Doctrine, which favored keeping children with their primary caregivers during their early years, historically mothers. Now, the law is very different. Fathers …
The primary factor courts use to decide child custody decisions in Louisiana is the best interests of the child. Courts review proposed custody arrangements to protect the child’s physical and emotional well-being. If parents disagree regarding child custody, the courts analyze numerous factors to determine the custody terms that are in the child’s best interest. …
When your child’s safety or well-being is at risk, you might need to seek emergency custody in Louisiana. Emergency custody means asking the court to quickly grant you temporary child custody until a full hearing can be held. However, the process can be complicated, and certain mistakes can hurt your chances. Here’s how emergency custody …
When parents separate or divorce, child custody can become a big concern. In Louisiana, custody involves two parts: legal custody and physical custody. Knowing what these terms mean can help you make better choices for your child. Louisiana courts focus on the child’s best interests above everything else. If you’re prepared and informed, you’ll be …
Managing long-distance child custody can be difficult for both parents and children. If you live far from your ex-spouse and share custody of your child, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place to ensure your child’s well-being and the custody arrangement’s success. In Louisiana, some specific laws and guidelines can help parents navigate …
In Louisiana, the custodial parent is the parent who has primary physical custody of a child. This parent has the responsibility for making most of the day-to-day decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. In some cases, the parents may share physical custody, and both parents may be considered custodial parents. If you are …
