The court will first decide legal custody, which controls decision-making authority between the parties as it relates to the child. In Louisiana, there is a strong presumption in favor of joint legal custody, which requires the parents to exchange information concerning the health, education, and welfare of the child, and to confer with one another in exercising decision-making authority.
There is typically a “domiciliary parent” designated, who can make major decisions regarding the child when the parties cannot agree, after conferring with the “non-domiciliary” parent. Their decision will be presumed to be in the best interest of the child, subject to the “non-domiciliary” parent’s right to file a motion for the court to review that decision.
Assuming joint legal custody is awarded, a joint custody implementation plan will clarify the rights and responsibilities of each parent as it relates to the minor child. It will cover issues such as:
As opposed to joint legal custody, if sole custody is awarded to a parent, they have no obligation to confer with the other parent before making decisions about the child’s health, education, or welfare. Nonetheless, the other parent may have visitation periods with the minor child as set forth in your custody judgment.
An experienced family law practitioner will be able to discern the specific factors relevant to your case and discuss how they may apply. At Southern Oaks Law Firm, we take the time to fully understand the facts of your case and work with you to obtain the best possible result under the law and in accordance with the best interest of your child or children.
Ways to take care of your children’s mental health during your divorce
It can be very difficult for children to weather their parents’ divorce. They may not fully understand the factors that are causing the divorce, and it may be hard for...
Safety tips for pedestrians walking near the street
Pedestrians face a high level of danger when walking near traffic. In fact, some reports have shown that this risk level has increased source in recent years, with pedestrian fatalities...
How does the court determine the best interests of a child?
Child custody can be heavily contested during a divorce or separation. It can be heartbreaking to learn that the court will determine how much time you will spend with your...
When it was time to revisit an outdated court order, I leaned on Taylor to get us through the process quickly and with the least possible amount of stress. Thanks to his patience and ability to diffuse a room-full of tension, we were able to come to a fair agreement that spared everyone an ugly court battle. He was attentive and informative throughout the process, and did a great job of putting my mind at ease. Looking back, I can truly say that Taylor saved a very special day for our family and I’m forever grateful for everything he did to resolve all of our concerns.
– Melody W
I met Taylor about a year ago for a custody modification issue i had been dealing with for quiet a few years. I had been thru the courts several times with no resolution. I didnt know which way to turn any longer. I contacted his office and made an appointment to meet with him. After speaking with him, i was confident and instantly knew what I had to do. I hired him immediately. He is courteous, honest and professional. He listened, he researched the history and he got me a resolution that i was comfortable with. I am so grateful for Taylor Fontenot.
– Tracy R
Great people, they keep in contact and act promptly with real information and answers.
Best of all you feel like a person when you’re in contact and they offer reasonable prices for serious consultation.
– Jacob B
It was not a hard decision to use this law firm. Taylor is a great attorney and I am glad I used him for my legal needs.
– Suzanne B
After researching attorneys for several weeks, we decided to go with Taylor Fontenot and can say it was the best decision we made. Taylor is professional yet down to earth, he is knowledgable and resolved our matter in an amazingly quick amount of time and kept in touch with us throughout the entire process.
– candy B
I could not ask for better lawyer!! Taylor took time to get to know my fiancée and I and the whole situation. It did not feel like going with a big company to where you feel like you’re just another pay check to them. He was very understanding and definitely worth it. Definitely recommend Taylor to anyone who needs an attorney. Highly recommend!
– BRANDON F
From the initial consultation, Taylor was very helpful with our situation. Every phone call and email was returned promptly and he was very helpful throughout the entire process. Being out of state, I wasn’t expecting the best service or even an easy outcome but I was wrong. I hope we never need this service again but if we do, we know exactly who to call.
– NICOLE B
Caring, Strategic, Attentive – And Focused On You!
