Custody & Visitation

Wilmington, Delaware, Child Custody Lawyers

Child custody is often one of the most difficult family law issues. The key to a successful resolution is to clearly identify legal goals and negotiate a resolution that is both legally sound and flexible. The resolution must also account for lifestyle changes such as remarriage or relocation.

Unfortunately, child custody and visitation is often used by one partner as a means of retaliation against the former partner for perceived wrongs during the marriage.

At Rahaim & Saints, our lawyers possess a thorough understanding of Delaware child custody statutes and always take a compassionate approach when dealing with the highly emotional components of divorce. We work closely with our clients to avoid disputes and negotiate or litigate child custody arrangements that are legally sound and always in the best interests of the children. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.

Custody Agreements or Custody Litigation

Our Kent County family law attorneys are strong believers in mediation and other out-of-court solutions to custody disputes. A mediated or negotiated agreement will often be more comprehensive and equitable than a court-ordered solution. It also avoids giving the impression that a former partner has "won" during a proceeding.

When a reasonable agreement cannot be achieved through mediation, we will use every resource necessary to protect the best interests of your children. In contested cases, we can bring in child psychologists and other experts in an effort to convince the court that you should have physical custody, legal custody, or more visitation than is otherwise called for by the guidelines.

Joint Legal Custody and Shared Residency

A negotiated resolution often involves joint legal custody (shared responsibility for decisions about education, health and welfare). It may also include shared residency, with the child spending an equal or nearly equal number of nights with each parent. Please note that shared physical custody significantly can reduce child support obligations.

Based on the recommendations of a custodial evaluator, the court will decide who gets primary residential custody, as well as whether a shared arrangement and visitation schedule is appropriate. The court may elect to base parenting time on the Standard Visitation Guidelines.

Related Custody and Family Law Issues

We assist in the filing and expediting of post-judgment decree modifications and Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders when violence is present in the relationship. We can represent you in modifying the parenting schedule to reflect a change in circumstances and relocation cases.

Call our Wilmington office (302-892-9200) or Newark office (302-832-1800) today for a consultation and overview of your rights related to child custody.