Adoption, Child Custody and Parenting Time

Adopting a child is a very emotional step towards growing your family. There are several situations that can arise which lead to the eventual adoption, but through the process, the law is written to look out for the best interest of a child. Depending on which party we represent, either a birth parent or adoptive parents, we work carefully with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and various adoption agencies throughout Kentucky to ensure the smoothest adoption process possible. 

Every adoption situation is different and requires skillful attention to detail along with a compassionate heart. Each case uncovers unique challenges, sometimes involving custody disputes, that our office is ready to handle with ease. We are ready to deliver, while keeping the best interest of the child at the helm of the adoption process.

If you would like to discuss the Kentucky adoption process, we are ready and happy to assist.

After a divorce or a relationship breakup involving children, sometimes even occurring after adopting a child, custody disputes and parenting time issues can arise. Custody refers to the legal right to make decisions about a child's upbringing, such as where the child will live, what school the child will attend, and what kind of medical care the child will receive.

In Kentucky, the court will always decide custody based on what is in the best interest of the child. The court will consider a number of factors, including the following:

• The child's physical and emotional needs
• The child's relationship with each parent
• The stability of each parent's home environment
• The ability of each parent to provide for the child's needs
• The wishes of the child, if the child is old enough to express them

Kentucky law provides for the presumption that joint custody and 50/50 parenting time is in the best interest of the child. Joint custody means that both parents share legal custody of the child and make important decisions about the child together. Equal parenting time ensures that both parents have equal opportunity to develop and maintain a relationship with the child, unless otherwise agreed. A court may decide that sole custody is in the best interests of the child if there is a history of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect. Outcomes are unique and will vary by every situation. 

If you are going through a custody dispute, we are happy to assist in helping you assert your rights and options. We can help you negotiate a custody agreement that is in the best interest of your child. When conversations between you and you child's other parent breakdown, we can advocate your position in a family court hearing. Custody disputes have a tendency to be emotionally draining and time consuming, but our goal is always to resolve disagreements amicably and quickly. Of course, if family court is necessary, we are ready to advocate for you.

If you would like to discuss your custody and parenting time issues, we are ready and happy to assist.

There are many factors the contribute to child dependency, neglect and abuse. After the filing of a petition against you, a custody dispute will immediately arise in a temporary removal hearing. If you have inadequate resources to care for your child through no-fault-of-your-own or issues such as substance misuse and mental health, it is possible that you may be facing allegations against you in a family court. We are here to help guide you through the process and ensure the prosecution remains focused on assisting the family with resources instead of a mentality of punishment. Time is of the essence in these types of cases because eventually, you risk facing a termination of parental rights and someone else adopting a child.

If you or someone you know are facing allegation of dependency, neglect or abuse and would like to know more about your options, we are ready and happy to assist.