When you become a parent, you make a lifelong commitment to protect, love, and show up for your child every day. When that commitment is being threatened in a child custody case, it can be heart-wrenching. At Martine Law, we’ve seen firsthand how heated child custody battles can get. That’s why our Minneapolis child custody lawyers are dedicated to fighting for you and guarding your parental rights.
Our Minneapolis Child Custody Services
Determinations of custody and parenting time rights often happen when parents divorce, unmarried parents file a custody case, when determining paternity, domestic abuse cases, or when the child is involved in a Child In Need of Protection Services (CHIPS) case.
Regardless of what triggered your custody case, when it’s your child’s well-being in the balance, it can be vital to have a qualified family law attorney in your corner.
There are two types of parental custody in Minnesota: legal custody and physical custody.
- Legal Custody – the right to make important decisions about the child’s life, including healthcare and education.
- Physical Custody – the right to make significant decisions about where the child lives, and their day-to-day activities.
Either type of custody can be given solely to one parent or shared.
What is Parenting Time?
Parenting time, also called visitation, may be awarded in a child custody case in which one parent is given primary physical custody of the child. If both parents can agree on a schedule, it will be reviewed by the court and added to the custody agreement.
If not, the judge will decide on a parenting schedule that awards the non-custodial parent at least 25% of the child’s time. In situations where the court deems that the child is unsafe in the non-custodial parent’s care, the judge may require supervised visitations.
Family Law Courts and Child Custody Cases in Minneapolis
When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement among themselves, local family court judges can decide on the matter. To do so, judges consider the following child custody factors, including:
- The child’s physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs and how either arrangement will affect those needs and the child’s development
- Special medical, developmental, or educational needs of the child require a special parenting arrangement.
- The child’s preference, depending on their age, maturity, and ability to express independent judgment.
- Whether domestic abuse has occurred in the household or parental relationship, and its implications on the child’s well-being
- Any physical, chemical, or mental health issues of either parent
- Each parent’s history of participation in the child’s life
- The willingness and ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs and maintain consistency
- How changing homes, communities, and schools may affect the child’s well-being.
- How either arrangement will affect the child’s relationship with the other parent, siblings, or other people in the child’s life
- The pros and cons of limiting or maximizing time with either parent
- Each parent’s attitude toward supporting the child’s relationship with the other parent and encouraging contact (except in cases of domestic abuse)
- The willingness of each parent to cooperate in raising the child and minimizing conflict
When ruling on child custody matters, a family court judge will aim to have the child’s best interests in mind.
Our Minneapolis child custody lawyers will work to ensure that your custody case is presented well, giving you the best shot at keeping your family intact.
What Our Clients Say
“After I hired Xavier, the amount of stress and doubt I had been carrying was immediately gone. Right from the start, the way he gathered the information from my ongoing custody case and finding out what my goals were was incredibly prompt. The way he went about my case and battled for me to get what I wanted was awesome. He fought for me and worked with me to finally get time with my son and things are going well now with my custody situation and we are starting to go from super contested to viable co-parenting now.”
Mark D.
“The Martine Law team was absolutely amazing, companionate & caring with my divorce. I didn’t feel like I was alone and always had support from someone who knew the system. I am looking forward to being a happy father spending quality time with my daughters, and I plan to share my happiest moments with them. Attorney Rhiley O’Rourke gave me hope, and if you’re a father who loves his children, she has my full and complete recommendation.”
Matthew S.
“Mr. Martine did an excellent job with my divorce and was able to negotiate the financials in a fair and diplomatic manner. I am so grateful to have met an attorney who didn't waste time and dollars. He was direct and effective at wrapping things up quickly. I would highly recommend him.”
Anonymous
Our Minneapolis Child Custody Process
STEP ONE:
Call (612) 979-1305 to speak to an Intake Specialist. We’re available 24/7.
STEP TWO:
We’ll discuss your situation and desired outcomes, and determine if we can help.
STEP THREE:
If we’re a good fit, we’ll fight to get you the best results possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody determined in Minneapolis?
In Minneapolis, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include the child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, and, depending on the child’s age and maturity, their preference. The goal is to ensure a stable and supportive environment for the child.
What’s the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Minnesota law?
Legal Custody gives a parent the right to make important decisions about the child’s life, while Physical custody allows a parent to make significant decisions about where the child lives, their day-to-day activities, etc.
What happens if the parents can’t agree on a parenting time schedule?
In these cases, judges in Minneapolis often decide on a parenting schedule that awards the non-custodial parent at least 25% of the child’s time.
How can a child custody lawyer help me?
Our Minnesota child custody attorneys can help your case by providing legal services, including:
- Developing a legal strategy
- Organizing evidence
- Pursuing sole custody or joint custody agreements
- Pursuing child support payment
- Acquiring visitation rights
- Managing domestic violence cases
- Protecting your parental rights
Areas Served
- St. Paul
- Minnetonka
- Bloomington
- St. Louis Park
- Brooklyn Park
- Maplewood
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Lakeville
- Roseville
- Blaine
- Inver Grove Heights
- Maple Grove
- Brooklyn Center
- St. Cloud
- Shoreview
- Eagan
- Rosemount
- Burnsville
- Chanhassen
- Eden Prairie
- White Bear Lake
- Apple Valley
- Farmington
- Edina
- Lino Lakes
- Fridley
- Mankato
- Chaska
- Isanti
- Cambridge
- Litchfield
- Rochester
- Savage
- Elk River
- Big Lake
- Waseca
- Buffalo
- Champlin (Incl. Hassan Township)
- New Brighton
- Mounds View
- Crystal
- Vadnais Heights
- Golden Valley
- Annandale
- St. Michael
- North St. Paul
- Hastings
- Mendota Heights
- New Hope
- Little Canada
- West St. Paul
- Arden Hills
- Northfield
- Mound
- South St. Paul
- St. Anthony
- Sartell
- Minnetrista
- Hopkins
- Waite Park
- Robbinsdale
- Dayton
- Rogers
- Lake Elmo
- Coon Rapids
- Andover
- Carver
- Red Wing
- Hutchinson
- Faribault
- Shakopee
- Prior Lake
- Jordan
- Richmond
- Owatonna
Contact our Minneapolis Child Custody Lawyers Today
Custody cases can be emotionally overwhelming, and they call for experienced child custody lawyers. When your child’s well-being is on the line, please don’t leave it up to the courts to decide. At Martine Law, we put your family first. Contact us to find your Minnesota child custody attorney today.
