Putting Your Child's Best Interests First in Louisiana
As parents, we want what is best for our children. Child custody and visitation can be some of the most contentious and emotionally charged aspects of divorce, and it can sometimes be easy to lose sight of what is most important. Having objective and honest legal counsel through this rocky time will help you make decisions that you can feel comfortable with.
At The Law Office of Camille Saltz Babin, I will help you develop custody and visitation plans that protect your child's best interests while also protecting your rights as a parent. As the current President of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Terrebonne, I have long been committed to children's advocacy and a family law practitioner for over 13 years, I am dedicated to helping clients in Terrebonne Parish and throughout southeastern Louisiana make the best decision possible when it comes to their children.
The outcome of your family law matter is important to me. Call 985-580-7796 or contact me online to discuss your child custody concerns.
Child Custody Agreements in Louisiana
I focus on helping clients resolve their family law disputes through mediation and collaborative law. These alternative dispute resolution methods allow you and your spouse to tailor your own solutions regarding child custody and come to an agreement that benefits all involved. Should litigation become necessary, however, I will vigorously fight to protect your interests in the courtroom.
Louisiana has four main categories of child custody:
- Sole custody gives one parent complete decision-making authority over the child and is rarely granted.
- Joint custody is the most traditional and frequently granted form of child custody. The child stays with one parent most of the time and the other parent is granted visitation rights. Both parents share decision-making authority.
- Shared custody allows parents to split time and decision-making authority 50-50.
- Split custody can be agreed where a couple has more than one child. For example, if they have three children, two children child would stay with the mother and one with the father for a week, and then switch off.
Except in extreme circumstances, the court takes the position that the children should be given the right to have a relationship with both parents. There are benefits and drawbacks to each form of custody. As an experienced family lawyer, you can rely on me to provide a realistic assessment of your situation while helping you keep your child's long-term interests in mind.
Visitation Considerations
Sometimes there are special considerations that would require parents to modify their visitation schedules, such as a job schedule or substance abuse issues of one parent. It is possible to request supervised visitation to allow a child to continue a relationship with both parents while ensuring the child's safety. Counseling or drug intervention may also be linked to visitation schedules in Louisiana. I will assess your situation to determine whether special considerations exist that would warrant a more tailored or restrictive visitation schedule.
Post-Decree Enforcement and Modifications
If your spouse does comply with the original order, I will help you seek child custody or visitation enforcement. If your life or financial circumstances change substantially, I will advocate for you in modification proceedings.
Schedule an Appointment with an Experienced Louisiana Attorney
For over a decade, I have been committed to I have dedicated the last 13 years to helping families in Louisiana. I will give you straightforward legal advice and help you make the best possible decision about child custody and visitation. Call 985-580-7796 or contact me online to discuss your concerns.
My office is located in downtown Houma, one block away from the Courthouse. I am available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and meetings at other times are available by appointment. My office is closed between noon and 1 p.m. daily for lunch.