Family & Child Custody

Child Custody & Parenting Time
Determining child custody is one of the most emotional aspects between parties following a divorce or separation.  While parents are free to address their child custody issues on their own and reach an agreement, often a court ruling may be necessary based upon what is determined to be in the best interests of the child(ren).

​Each child custody case is not only sensitive, but unique; each with its' own set of circumstances and variables that need to be considered in the determination of custody.  That determination can often times have an impact on who pays child support to whom.

Child custody is typically categorized as sole custody, joint custody, or shared custody.  These concepts require a more in depth discussion specific to the facts of each party's individual case.  There are important distinctions between Physical Custody (the determination of with whom the child(ren) primarily live) and Legal Custody (which parent makes substantive decisions affecting the child(ren) such as health, education, and religious decisions).  Ideally, it is desired that both parents consult on these issues even if one has the final decision-making authority pursuant to a court order.

Parenting Time, typically referred to as "visitation", is time that the non-custodial parent is allotted to spend time with their child(ren).  Though "visitation" is a common description, we at The Sutton Law Firm believe strongly that as a parent, your time with your child is valuable, and we will fight to maximize that quality time.  With over a decade of practicing family law and child custody, Attorney Sutton has the knowledge and experience necessary to work closely on all matters that can arise between parties..
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Child Support
The Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) helps ensure fair and equitable standards of child support payments.  The Sutton Law Firm can help you understand how the process works and the impact it will have on your livelihood.  We can also work to help you try to modify the agreements when inevitable or unexpected financial changes take place.
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Paternity Petitions
The Sutton Law Firm has experience in advising mothers and fathers on various legal issues that can arise surrounding paternity.  Whether a particular man is the father or negotiating fair support payment, it is important to have an experienced attorney handling your case with care and compassion.  Call our office today for assistance in any of these scenarios:
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• Unmarried couple breaks up and mother needs child support
• Alleged father denies the child is his and refuses paternity testing
• Alleged father signed an acknowledgement of paternity, however, wants to withdraw it later
• ​Father has signed acknowledgment of paternity, however, does not pay formal child support
• Father paying child support wishes to establish custodial or visitation rights​

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