Unique Custody Situations A Family Law Attorney Can Assist With
A family law attorney can be used for a variety of custody-related matters. Their services are not limited to helping prove which parent is most suitable for the custody of minor children. Even if custody is awarded to one parent temporarily, an attorney could benefit individuals seeking sole or joint custody. Situations that have been through the judicial process resulting in a sole custody order can be challenged at a future date if circumstances change. These issues represent some of the common reasons that individuals seek custody and should use an attorney as a resource to navigate the family law court system. A family law attorney could help individuals who need to know their options to seek custody.
Elder Custody
Sometimes the children of aging parents cannot agree on who will take care of their parents. The disputes may include differing opinions about living arrangements to the extent of some children wanting to put the parents in a long-term care facility. There might also be differences of opinion about who can provide the best in-home care for the parents. If these matters cannot be resolved privately, they may need to get decided by a family court.
Step-Parent Custody
In the event that a biological parent who has custody passes away or can no longer care for a child in their care, the other biological parent may want custody of the child. Sometimes they may be granted custody even if they have never been a part of the child's life. A step-parent can petition a family court for custody of the child. If they can establish that a relationship existed with the parent who cannot care for the child anymore, their odds of getting custody may improve. Marriage could be a form of proof, but there are other things that can be beneficial for this type of case. A family lawyer could help with establishing a valid reason for a step-parent to get custody.
Incapacitated Adult
Accidents that involve severe bodily injury may result in a person no longer being able to take care of themselves. There might be a number of loved ones who want to take care of the individual. Some of these individuals may not have familial ties to the person. These matters may require a judicial process to get resolved if the injured person's incapacitation extends beyond physical injuries. Brain damage, memory loss, and other loss of cognitive function may make it necessary for a court to decide what is in the person's best interest, and a family law attorney can help interested parties navigate the legal complexities of this type of situation.
Contact a family law attorney for more information.