Protecting Your Right to Care for Your Children
Attorney Serving Families in Salem & Middleton, Massachusetts, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Surrounding Areas
When something as important as the custody of your children is at stake, you want a lawyer who is patient and willing to answer all your questions and concerns and fight to protect your children's best interest.
At my firm, DeBernardis & Associates, P.C., I understand that your family's needs and child custody decisions are unique and deserve individualized care. I have over a decade of experience in family law and know what it takes to get results.
To schedule a free initial consultation, please contact me by calling 978-767-4140 or 866-785-1580. I am licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Deciding which type of custody is best for both you as a parent and your child can be difficult. There are two main types of custody that you as a parent can establish:
Legal Custody
Legal custody establishes a parent's right to make key decisions for the child, including those regarding education, religion and medical care.
- When a parent is granted sole legal custody, that parent is allowed to make decisions concerning the child's upbringing without consulting the other parent.
- In cases in which joint legal custody is awarded, parents must consult each other and agree on parenting decisions.
Physical Custody
Physical custody establishes with which parent a child lives.
- When sole physical custody is awarded to a parent, the child resides year round with that parent. The other parent is generally awarded visitation rights.
- Joint physical custody is only awarded to parents who are able to work well and communicate together and live in close proximity.
You won't know your options until you meet with me to talk about your situation and your history. I want to know how you see the future and I will do my best to find solutions to get you there. I can represent you in obtaining new custody orders or seeking modification existing custody agreement.
Contact me to schedule a free initial consultation and begin discussing your case. My office is open weekdays from 9 until 6. Remote location and evening appointments are available upon request.
Spanish and Portuguese languages services are also available.