Child custody in Arkansas

Divorcing parents should try to work together regarding their child's future, because they will often continue to be involved in the child's upbringing, depending on the child custody arrangement.

2013-03-06

March 06, 2013 (Press-News.org) Child custody in Arkansas

Article provided by Rice & Adams
Visit us at http://www.rice-adams.com

Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially when children are involved. When getting divorced, parents should try to work together to make decisions regarding their child's future, because both parents will often continue to be involved in the child's upbringing, depending on the child custody and visitation arrangement.

Child custody

Joint custody of a child is rarely awarded in Arkansas. In a joint custody agreement presented by the parents, the child usually shares time living with each parent separately. In the absence of a specific joint custody agreement, however, joint custody is unlikely to be awarded by a judge.

If the parents cannot agree on joint custody, a judge will make a child custody determination. In Arkansas, neither parent is preferred to have custody because of his or her gender. Instead, a judge makes a child custody decision according to the welfare and best interests of the child. If a child is old enough, a judge may consider the child's preference, in addition to several other factors, which include:
-The parent's willingness to provide continued contact with the other parent
-The parent's ability to provide love, affection and guidance to the child
-The parent's financial resources and ability to provide for the child's basic needs
-The existence of any domestic abuse, drug use or criminal records
-Whether the child has any siblings

Visitation

Parents may be able to go through mediation in a child custody case if it is anticipated that it might help the parents reach a settlement, but it depends on the judge and the county the case is filed in. Judges typically have a standard visitation schedule for noncustodial parents, and ordinarily a judge will order a standard visitation schedule that includes holiday and summer visitation schedules.

A parent's or child's circumstances may change as the child grows up, and sometimes it is appropriate to modify a child custody decree. For example, seeking modification of a child custody order is especially important when a parent wishes to move out of state. There can be severe consequences for failing to follow a child custody decree, so it is important to make sure that all procedures are followed properly.

If you have a child and are getting divorced, or if your circumstances have changed significantly and you would like to modify an existing child custody decree, contact a family law attorney with experience in child custody cases for help.

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Woman awarded $3.35 million in transvaginal mesh implant lawsuit

2013-03-06

Woman awarded $3.35 million in transvaginal mesh implant lawsuit Article provided by Guerra Law Group P.L.L.C. Visit us at http://www.yourbadproductslawyer.com/ After years of severe, chronic pain and 18 additional surgeries to repair damage caused by a defective vaginal mesh implant, a woman finally prevailed in a lawsuit this month against the manufacturer of the device, Johnson & Johnson. Damages awarded Describing her life as a "living hell" since her 2006 surgery, the woman was awarded $3.35 million for compensatory damages by the jury. ...

Transvaginal mesh implants causing severe side effects in numerous women

2013-03-06

Transvaginal mesh implants causing severe side effects in numerous women Article provided by Guerra Law Group P.L.L.C. Visit us at http://www.yourbadproductslawyer.com/ In the 1990s, doctors began using a medical device called transvaginal mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women who suffered from weakened pelvic muscles following childbirth, menopause or hysterectomies. POP occurs when the pelvic muscles are no longer strong enough to hold up organs within the pelvic region. Once viewed as permanent cure to POP, the hammock-like mesh, which is implanted ...

Tax planning tips for business owners

2013-03-06

Tax planning tips for business owners Article provided by M. Bradford Randolph, Esq., PLLC Visit us at http://www.mbrlawfirm.com While it is easy to put off thinking about taxes until the spring every year, New York City business owners should consider the tax implications of purchases, sales, income and expenses throughout the year. A tax planning professional can help businesses create plans that ensure they minimize the amount of taxes they pay. The value of working with a professional tax planner Making a mistake on tax forms can be quite costly for businesses. ...

Why everyone needs an estate plan

2013-03-06

Why everyone needs an estate plan Article provided by Louis Pacella Law Offices Visit us at http://www.athomeplanning.com/ No matter how large or small a person's estate is, it is important for everyone to have an estate plan in place that covers how and to whom assets will be distributed after one's death. Drafting a will or designating beneficiaries is not a one-time task, however. Estate planning is a process that evolves with life's changing circumstances, like getting married, having children, getting divorced and entering retirement. Having a plan that adapts ...

$3.35 million awarded in transvaginal mesh lawsuit

2013-03-06

$3.35 million awarded in transvaginal mesh lawsuit Article provided by Reed & Terry, L.L.P. Visit us at http://www.dangerousproductslaw.com Pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence are relatively common medical conditions among adult women. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, millions of American women are affected by these conditions. In most cases, they occur because the pelvic muscles have weakened, allowing the bladder to sink and press against the vaginal wall. For many women, this condition has been addressed through the ...

Pennsylvania report finds EHR-related errors are on the rise

2013-03-06

Pennsylvania report finds EHR-related errors are on the rise Article provided by Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy Visit us at http://www.edshau.com As technology has improved and people have become more reliant on electronic gadgets for tasks ranging from communicating with friends to managing their calendars, it should come as no surprise that the medical field is also finding ways to use technological developments to its advantage. In recent years, physicians and hospitals across the country have started using electronic health records -- or EHRs -- to maintain ...

Elective cesareans may increase newborn's risk of jaundice

2013-03-06

Elective cesareans may increase newborn's risk of jaundice Article provided by TODD & WELD LLP Visit us at http://www.kernicterus.com The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians are advising physicians and pregnant woman to refrain from inducing early deliveries unless medically necessary. Despite the recommendations of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), some physicians continue to schedule cesareans for convenience. This is one factor contributing to the increased rate of premature ...

Survey reveals that science labs are not the safest place to work

2013-03-06

Survey reveals that science labs are not the safest place to work Article provided by Delfino Green & Green Visit us at http://www.delfinogreengreen.com New research on workplace safety has uncovered that science labs are not as safe as the scientists who work in them think they are. According to the study, 86 percent of scientists believe that their lab is a safe place to work, but just under half of the same people who thought it was safe, have experienced injuries at work. Many survey participants stated that any injuries sustained in the lab were just ...

NHTSA to hybrid vehicles: turn up the volume

2013-03-06

NHTSA to hybrid vehicles: turn up the volume Article provided by Callahan & Blaine Visit us at http://www.bicycle-litigation.com Hybrid vehicles have increased in popularity in recent years, largely due to rising gas prices and the desire for a "greener" alternative to traditional gas or diesel engines. Although the vehicles offer superior gas mileage, they come with one unexpected problem: they operate so quietly at low speeds that they are almost inaudible to bystanders, pedestrians and bicyclists. As a solution to the problem, the National Highway ...

Hit-and-run accident victims still have options

2013-03-06

Hit-and-run accident victims still have options Article provided by Thompson Law Firm Visit us at http://www.phxinjurylaw.com Anyone injured in a car accident due to the fault of another driver knows the frustration, fear and uncertainty that comes with trying to deal with an insurance claim. Perhaps most frustrating, however, is having to deal with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident. There are many reasons why a driver might flee the scene: perhaps he or she is uninsured or unlicensed, or fears legal consequences such as a driving while intoxicated charge. ...