Child Custody

Child Custody Attorney Who Puts the Child's Needs First

The Boston divorce and child custody law firm of Bishop & Reidy, P.C. keeps your child's needs first in divorce settlements. Child custody issues can become contentious when parents fears and egos take control of the process. We have experience handling a significant number of divorce cases that involved complex child custody and support matters. We take a compassionate view of parents needs, including helping our clients see how their child custody decisions today will affect their family in the future. We generally advise ways to find negotiated resolutions to custody and visitation issues. An expensive custody battle in court rarely meets the long-term needs of the children, or the spouses.

Joint legal custody and physical custody

An amicable child custody agreement often includes a shared responsibility for meeting the physical and emotional needs of the child. Sometimes, however, shared responsibility is not appropriate and it is necessary for one parent to stand firm for sole custody. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to present a strong case for sole custody, including the termination of parental rights of the opposing parent, if appropriate.

Visitation rights

In Massachusetts, non-custodial parents retain parenting time and visitation rights, regardless of the status of their child support obligations. In addition, grandparents and others who are proven to have played an important role in the child's upbringing may secure visitation rights. Bishop & Reidy, P.C. represents non-custodial parents and other individuals who are fighting for their rights to visit their child.

Child support

Generally, child support in Massachusetts is based on the income of the non-custodial parent. There may be other factors taken into consideration, including military service and extraordinary visitation expenses. Child support obligations are in place to minimize the economic impact on the child and to encourage joint parenting following a divorce. Child support is not a tax deductible expense for the noncustodial parent. Under Massachusetts law states, however, some of the child support obligation may be determined to serve as spousal maintenance, the portion of which is tax deductible. In the event the non-custodial parent is unable to meet child support obligations, it is often possible to modify the support order or settlement, as well.

Bishop & Reidy, P.C. will fully explain how child custody laws affect your pending divorce. Contact us to schedule a consultation.