Child Custody

Our attorneys handle custody (residential responsibility) cases across North Dakota and Minnesota. We know how emotional and life-changing these cases can be. That’s why we focus on making the process as smooth as possible while protecting your relationship with your child every step of the way.

What Is Legal Custody?

Simply put, the definition of legal custody, now termed “decision-making responsibility” in North Dakota, is the ability to make decisions for a child and have access to his or her records. This being said, parents can define it however they want. One needs to be careful; however, as the North Dakota Supreme Court has stated that without a definition of the term, giving parents “joint legal custody” is meaningless.

What Is Physical Custody?

Physical custody, now termed “residential responsibility” in North Dakota, relates to where the child resides during any particular week, month, or year. Typically, parents agree to a schedule that is conducive to the child’s best interests. These schedules vary on a case-by-case basis. To find out what sorts of schedules work and which schedules are problematic, give our firm a call.

Child Custody

For one to establish custody of a child, an action must be started. If the parties cannot agree on custody, a judge will make a decision for them by taking into consideration the best interests of the child. In both North Dakota and Minnesota, there is a statute that addresses which factors will be considered by a Judge.

Because of the wide range of factors and the general nature of child custody “battles,” it requires an attorney that will take the time to fight for your rights, deal with hurdles that occur, and ensure that you are given the opportunity to have a relationship with your child now and in the future.

Contact SW&L Attorneys Today

Our lawyers deliver consistent preparation, planning, and knowledge with all of their child custody cases. Knowledgeable in all North Dakota custody statutes, we are dedicated in our efforts to provide every client with experience, research, and other resources important in gaining the outcome you as a parent seek. Call SW&L at 701-297-2890 to discuss your situation.