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Parents in Boutte have certain rights and responsibilities regarding their children. During a divorce or when establishing parentage, the courts oversee the process of establishing sole or joint custody, along with other provisions, like a parenting plan. If you are going through a custody dispute, it is crucial to have support from a skilled Boutte child custody lawyer who understands the applicable state laws. They know how to assert their client’s rights at every step.
The family law attorneys team at Marino Law Firm, LLC, understand how a child custody case in Boutte can feel like everything is at risk. Our lawyers bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience and a long record of providing aggressive but ethical legal support to complex cases. We focus on safeguarding the rights of our clients without unnecessary costs or delays. That way, you can get back to raising your children with the court’s backing.
Orrin Marino brings invaluable trial experience after previously working for the Jefferson Parish Public Defender’s Office for more than six years. He maintains active memberships with the Louisiana State Bar Association and the New Orleans Bar Association.
His father, Mark A. Marino, graduated from the University of New Orleans before earning his Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Law Center. Trust our father-and-son legal team to provide you with the structured support your case deserves.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the divorce rate in Louisiana, as of 2023, is 0.9 per 1,000 people in the state. Given the rate of divorce and the fact that 24% of Boutte’s population is under 18, many parents in this city find themselves navigating child custody cases in a given year. In Louisiana, child custody decisions are governed by the Civil Code and based on the best interests of the child.
If the parents cannot reach an agreement, the courts generally favor joint custody unless there is clear and convincing evidence showing that sole custody better serves the child’s welfare. In a city with a crime rate of 32.96 per 1,000 residents in a normal year, a criminal record or serious accusations of criminal conduct can lead the courts to consider the safety of the child when determining custody.
When the courts become involved in deciding custody matters, the judge overseeing the case may consider factors like:
Whether you live in River Ridge, Woodland Drive, Magnolia Ridge, or elsewhere in Boutte, your top priority should be to hire a child custody lawyer to manage your child custody case. When you partner with a Boutte child custody attorney, you gain support from someone who understands the state’s child custody laws and how they could apply to your case.
An experienced custody lawyer can:
Before you sign the final agreement, your custody lawyer can review the document to see that it reflects your aims and protects your parental rights.
The cost of hiring a family law attorney for your child custody case can vary, depending on the attorney’s hourly or flat rate, along with the time and resources that are needed to represent you in court. Contested cases that require hearings and ongoing negotiations can require higher legal fees than non-contested matters. An experienced family law attorney can explain the potential costs during your initial consultation.
Louisiana courts are not always the sole deciders of custody cases. When both parents can come to an agreement, often due to careful negotiations by their lawyers, the courts may honor those decisions. It is only in contested cases that a judge may take a more active role in guiding the outcome of a child custody case. When they do, they focus on the “best interests” of the child.
Verbal or personal attacks on the other parent, along with any actions that are self-interested rather than focused on the interests of the child, can look bad in a child custody case. The courts expect both parties to act in the interest of the child and not pursue their own personal agendas. If your spouse is making disparaging remarks against you or engaging in parental alienation, trust your attorney to take a measured and focused approach so the court is made aware of their behavior.
If you value your time with your child and want court-protected rights, it is well worth hiring a child custody lawyer. Family law attorneys in Louisiana have an active role in guiding the outcome of child custody cases. They can file motions, call for hearings, and take matters before the judge when needed to assert your rights and interests.
If you are going through a family court case that involves child custody, Marino Law Firm, LLC, can manage your case so your parental rights are protected at every step. Our dedicated family law attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and which strategies can help you achieve your goal.
We take a personalized approach to every family law case we manage and understand the importance of working efficiently without compromising on your priorities. Trust our law firm to provide you with the ethical and aggressive representation that your case deserves. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
Marino Law Firm, LLC, represents clients throughout southeast Louisiana’s river parishes. During regular business hours, call our Destrehan, Louisiana, office-toll free at 985-764-1515 with any urgent matters, including updates to an existing case. Our staff is available to take messages, schedule appointments and answer question about nonlegal matters. Contact us to arrange a consultation with an experienced Destrehan family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer.
call for consultation 985-764-1515
104 Campus Drive East
Suite 101
Destrehan, LA 70047
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