Child Custody Arrangements in Maine
It can be difficult for a couple to decide on the best child custody for their child or children, so it often takes a third party to be the voice of reason and help a couple come up with the best child custody arrangement and visitation schedule.
Below are the questions a child custody attorney and Maine’s family courts will ask to determine what is the best interest of a child:
- What is the child’s age?
- Is there a history of abuse or neglect on behalf of a parent?
- What is each parent’s work schedule? What is their income?
- Does each parent have stable living arrangements?
- What are the wishes of the child?
Maine’s family court prefers joint custody arrangements and will determine if that arrangement is appropriate based on the answers to that question.
Child Visitation in Maine
When joint custody is awarded to a couple, the next challenge is coming up with a visitation schedule. It is preferable if parents come up with a visitation schedule on their own without relying on the family court. A child custody lawyer can help with negotiations, and the family court can approve or deny the final draft. Parents will have greater control of their time if they work together and leave the courts out of the process unless necessary.
What if I Denied Visitation?
If you have been denied visitation, it is possible to get your parental rights restored, but that depends on why you were barred from seeing your child. For instance, if you were denied visitation because of drug abuse, you may be eligible for visitation of you get sober and stay sober.
Sometimes you may have to settle for supervised visits until you prove you are no longer a danger to your child. In that case, follow the advice of your child custody lawyer, and once the necessary changes have been made, you can petition the family court and have the restrictions lifted.
Child custody is an emotionally charged issue, so it’s often a sticking point in divorce and remains an issue long after the dissolution papers have been signed. If you need assistance with any problems, our knowledgeable team of child custody lawyers in Maine to assist with your case.
