Who decides for the child
A custody order of your own, or a relative who steps in.
Sometimes the way out of an agency's case is a clear custody order. Sometimes it is a grandparent or an aunt who takes the child in. Both need papers that say who may decide.
We handle custody for parents and for relatives, whether the child is already with you or is coming. We lay the options side by side and tell you what each one asks of you and gives you.
Where we help
Custody orders that can help close an agency case
Relatives who are raising a child and need legal footing
Visitation schedules that fit work and school
Changing an order when life changes
Guardianship by a relative
Three situations
Which of these sounds like yours?
You are a parent
You want a custody order that spells out your time with your child, and that a court can point to when the agency asks what has changed.
You are a relative
The child is living with you, or may soon. We explain the formal and informal ways to care for them, and what help is available for the costs.
You share custody
You and the other parent live apart. We build a schedule and decision-making plan that works around the agency's requirements.
About custody
Can a relative get legal rights without going through the agency?
Often yes, by asking a court directly for custody or guardianship. Which route fits depends on whether an agency case is open, so bring any paperwork you have.
Will a custody order end the agency's case?
It can help, because it shows the court that a safe and stable arrangement is in place. It does not decide the agency's case by itself, and we tell you honestly how it is likely to be received.
What if the other parent disagrees?
Then the judge decides. We prepare your case on the facts about the child's day-to-day life, and we explore agreement first when it is realistic.