Child Custody

West Virginia Child Custody Lawyer

At my Charleston, West Virginia, law office, I work with clients to make sure that the welfare of their kids is not forgotten. Unfortunately, parents will use their children to manipulate a former spouse. At my law firm, I help parents focus on the best interests of their children while protecting their rights.

It is important to have accurate legal advice

In any divorce involving children, you and your ex-spouse must agree to a parenting plan which must be approved by the Court. It is always important to have a lawyer to advise you about custody proposals because your agreements can significantly affect your child support obligation. I know the issues the court looks at when reviewing proposed custody agreements, and I can guide you toward a child custody plan that works for you and meets the needs of your children.

If you have questions and concerns about child custody, contact my West Virginia law office to schedule a confidential consultation. Call Shawn Taylor, PLLC, toll-free at 304-345-5959.

Paying careful attention to the welfare of clients' children during divorce

In West Virginia, the law provides that parents can continue to share responsibility for their children's health care, education and religious instruction even after divorce. Another part of a custody agreement involves how long each parent is with the children. This is commonly called "parenting time" and if the parents can agree, child custody and visitation can be quite straightforward. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has developed forms which can guide people through negotiations.

WARNING: Factors that limit visitation or parenting time

If there are factors such as domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or persistent interference with access to the child, the court may limit your parenting time, require that it be supervised, or eliminate it altogether!

Mediation is less stressful and less expensive

I encourage my clients to work with their spouses to arrive at place where they agree on a shared parenting plan. If the parents are unable to agree, the court may order them to a court-appointed mediator to arrive at a visitation schedule that can function for both of them and for their children. Mediation is less expensive, less stressful and less harmful to the children than going to trial.

Unfortunately, sometimes ex-wives or ex-husbands are unreasonable, uncooperative, or simply refuse to negotiate a parenting plan. In those situations, I stand fully prepared to proceed to trial when clients find themselves in a custody battle that has no other resolution. If you need an experienced family law attorney who is prepared to fight for you in Court if needed, contact me at Shawn Taylor, PLLC, to discuss your situation. Call me 304-345-5959 to schedule a confidential consultation.