Child Custody/Parenting Time

Serving Clients Throughout the South Metro and Across the Twin Cities

When parents divorce or separate, the most critical legal issues they face involve their children. How these matters are handled can affect the relationship you have with your children today and far into the future.

At Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A., we understand the stakes of child custody issues and can apply our skill and experience in this area of law to your case. Our child custody lawyers are prepared to advocate for your rights and protect the best interests of your children.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

There are generally two types of child custody, physical custody and legal custody:

• Physical custody refers to where the child lives and which parent is responsible for the child’s day-to-day care.
• Legal custody involves decision-making authority over important elements of the child’s life, such as health care, education and religion.

In deciding child custody cases, courts are guided by the “best interests of the child” standard.

Parenting time

Parenting time, also known as visitation, determines when a child will be in the physical custody of either parent. Parenting time schedules typically specify where the children spend weekends and holidays, and address details such as when the parents will pick up and drop-off the children.

Whether you are the custodial or noncustodial parent, or you share physical custody of the child, it is important to consult with an attorney who is well versed in parenting time and child custody issues.

Child Custody Modifications

When circumstances warrant a change in child custody orders, it is necessary to petition the family court for a modification. Common situations that may warrant a modification of orders include relocation of either parent, child endangerment, and the wishes of the child as he or she gets older.

Whether you are seeking a modification or you are trying to stop an unwanted modification, our attorneys will aggressively stand up for your rights and work to protect the best interests of your child.

Contact Our Parenting Time Lawyers in Apple Valley

If you are facing a child custody dispute in Minnesota, our attorneys are here for you. Contact us online or by telephone at 952-432-3136 or toll free at 800-595-5419 to arrange a consultation with one of our knowledgeable child custody attorneys in Dakota County.