Twin Cities Parenting Time Attorney
The Anderson Firm provides a full range of legal services for clients involved in issues relating to child custody, visitation rights and child support. Attorney Kristine Anderson is recognized for her in-depth understanding of the complex issues that make custody matters among the most emotional and challenging of all legal problems.
One reason child custody issues frustrate people is because the concept of custody is one of the most misunderstood areas of family law. Parents make the mistake of associating the terms "custodial parent" and "noncustodial parent" with actual parenting time granted to each party. Legally, custody and parenting time are two entirely different components of the law. By focusing on what is really the most important factors rather than mere labels, Kristine helps clients eliminate the frustration and emotional decisions that result in costly, unnecessary litigation.
The Definition of Custody
Under Minnesota law, two forms of custody are available to parents. Physical custody generally entails the decisions about routine daily care and control of the child and is also often associated with the primary residence of the child. Legal custody relates to decisions about major issues in a child's life, including education, health care and religious training." The courts will separately award physical custody and legal custody to either one parent (sole custody) or both parents (joint custody). What parents often overlook is that custody does not control the parenting time afforded either parent. Essentially, a case involving custody actually often involves issues of legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time.
Modifying Custody and Parenting Time Orders
Things change in people's lives. Usually, parents work out their own modifications to existing schedules, but sometimes they cannot come to agreement about a new arrangement. If your existing custody or parenting schedule no longer works for all parties involved, it is possible to seek a change. Kristine knows what issues the court considers when considering whether to modify an existing arrangement.
If it is time for you to consider a change in your existing custody or parenting time order, Shakopee child custody lawyer Kristine Anderson is ready to help with knowledgeable, common sense advice and representation that is based on an in-depth knowledge of the Minnesota family law system.
A Full Range of Custody and Parenting Time Services
Contact the law firm to arrange an initial complimentary consultation about your child custody or parenting time issues. The Anderson Firm in Shakopee, Minnesota, provides legal advice and representation for individuals with family law and criminal defense needs in Scott County, Carver County, Dakota County, Le Sueur County, McLeod County, Sibley County, Wright County, Anoka County, Hennepin County and Ramsey County, Minnesota, as well as throughout the state.
