Wichita Child Custody Attorney

35+ Combined Years of Experience On Your Side

Parent with custody of child Dealing with a child custody case can be complicated and highly emotional. With so much at stake, you cannot afford anything less than an experienced, dedicated Wichita child custody attorney.

Our team at Beall & Mitchell LLC has over 35 years of combined experience with family law issues of all kinds. We understand that your child's future is on the line, and we are committed to helping you resolve your legal issues efficiently and skillfully.

Need Help? Our Skilled Child Custody Lawyers Are Here for You. Call at (316) 842-4014 or Contact Us Online to Start Your Case.

How is Child Custody Determined in Kansas?

Child custody decisions are made with the primary focus on the best interests of the child.

These are the key factors in determining child custody:

Parental Relationships: The court evaluates each parent’s relationship with the child, including the emotional bonds and involvement in the child’s life.
Parental Ability: The court assesses each parent’s ability to provide for the child's physical, emotional, and educational needs.
Stability and Environment: The stability of each parent’s home environment and their ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment is considered.
Previous Care: The court considers which parent has been the primary caregiver and the child's current living situation.
Parental Health and Behavior: Each parent’s physical and mental health, as well as any history of substance abuse or domestic violence, is taken into account.

At Beall & Mitchell LLC, we can help parents find a workable custody arrangement that addresses:

Where and with whom will the child live
How much time will the child spend with each parent
Picking up/dropping off the child from school
What happens to the child during vacation breaks
How to address travel expenses
Decisions regarding the child's education, health, and upbringing

Our team understands that divorce and child custody issues are emotionally involved, and we are here to stand with you through this challenge. We work daily to ensure we give our clients the personal care, respect, and attention they deserve.

What are the Types of Child Custody Arrangements You Can Get?

In Kansas, child custody is categorized into several types, each defining different aspects of parental rights and responsibilities.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of custody recognized in the state:

Legal Custody

Refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s life, including decisions related to education, health care, and general welfare. It can be:

Sole Legal Custody: One parent has the exclusive right to make all significant decisions regarding the child. The non-custodial parent may have limited input or involvement in these decisions.
Joint Legal Custody: Both parents share the responsibility for making major decisions about the child. This arrangement requires parents to work together and communicate effectively regarding the child's needs.

Physical Custody

Determines where the child will live and who will provide day-to-day care. It also involves the parent with whom the child will spend the majority of their time.

Sole Physical Custody: The child lives primarily with one parent, who is responsible for the child's daily care and upbringing. The other parent may have visitation rights but does not live with the child.
Joint Physical Custody: The child’s time is divided between both parents’ homes. This arrangement allows the child to spend substantial time with each parent, although it does not necessarily mean equal time.

Don't Navigate Child Custody Alone: Contact Our Skilled Attorneys Today.

At What Age in Kansas Can a Child Decide Which Parent to Live With?

In Kansas, there is no specific age at which a child can decide which parent to live with. The Kansas statutes state that the court shall consider the child's wishes "if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to express a preference." The court will also consider the child's "emotional ties with each parent," the "child's adjustment to his or her home, school, and community," and the "mental and physical health of all parties involved."

In other words, the court will consider the child's wishes, but they are not the only factor in custody decisions. The court will also consider the child's best interests, including factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of each parent's home, and the child's educational and extracurricular needs.

The older the child is, the more weight the court will give their wishes. However, the court will always consider the child's best interests, even if their wishes are not in their best interests.

If you are going through a divorce or separation in Kansas, speaking with an attorney who can help you understand the custody process and protect your rights is essential.

What Are The Benefits of Hiring a Wichita Child Custody Lawyer?

Trying to navigate the legal system alone can leave you frustrated and overwhelmed. You may miss critical filings or not realize the full extent of your rights.

Legal Support for Various Child Custody Concerns:

Initial child custody determinations
Child custody challenges
Child custody modifications
Exploring concerns you have about child custody arrangements
When Department for Children and Families (DCF) becomes involved

We make it as easy as possible for you to meet with us, with evening and weekend hours by appointment as well as flexible meeting locations.

Ready to Discuss Your Child Custody Case? Call at (316) 842-4014 or Contact Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation Now.