Franklin County (Union and Washington) Visitation and Child Custody Law Firm

Facing custody or visitation troubles in Franklin County? Head to Stange Law Firm, PC, located at 5 S. Oak Street, Union, Missouri 63084. They break down what the local courts really want, guiding through the maze of rules. When talking it out hits a dead end, they don’t just sit back—they jump into action to fight for a fair result. People who want clear answers and real support in Franklin County get the best help here. Keep reading to discover how to turn tough family battles into victories.

When court involvement becomes necessary to protect your interests, we provide experienced and knowledgeable representation you can depend on. Call us today in Union at 636-388-0700.

For additional information about the Franklin County Circuit Court, the links below may be helpful:

• Franklin County Courthouse: If you would like to find the Franklin County Courthouse location, click this link.
• Missouri Judiciary Page on Franklin County Courthouse: Information on the Franklin County Judiciary rules can be found here.
• Directions to Franklin County Courthouse: If you need directions to the courthouse, click on the link provided.

Child Custody in Union, Missouri

Child custody disputes in Union, Missouri are resolved under Missouri family law and commonly arise in dissolution cases, paternity matters, and post-judgment proceedings. When parents cannot reach an agreement, the court steps in to determine a custody arrangement that promotes the child’s overall well-being and long-term stability.

Factors Courts Consider in Custody Decisions

Missouri courts evaluate a wide range of considerations when deciding child custody, all with the goal of serving the child’s best interests. These considerations may include:

• The parenting arrangements proposed by each parent

• The importance of maintaining consistent and meaningful relationships with both parents

• The child’s emotional, educational, and social needs

• Each parent’s ability to provide structure, supervision, and care

• Whether a parent demonstrates a willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent

• The mental and physical health of the child and both parents

• Any history of domestic violence or unsafe behavior

• The child’s preferences, when appropriate based on age and maturity

• Any anticipated changes that could affect parenting time, including relocation

Missouri law does not presume one parent to be more suitable than the other based on gender, income, or parental status.

Understanding Legal and Physical Custody

Missouri separates child custody into two distinct categories: legal custody and physical custody. Courts may award either type jointly or solely, depending on what best meets the child’s needs.

Legal Custody

Legal custody involves the authority to make significant decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, such as schooling, medical care, and general welfare.

• Joint legal custody allows both parents to participate in major decisions

• Sole legal custody gives one parent decision-making authority

Physical Custody

Physical custody addresses where the child primarily resides and how parenting time is divided.

• Joint physical custody provides for substantial time with both parents, though schedules do not have to be equal

• Sole physical custody places the child primarily with one parent, with parenting time awarded to the other

The court may order any combination of legal and physical custody depending on the facts of the case.

Parenting Time and Ongoing Contact

Missouri law favors parenting arrangements that allow children to maintain frequent and meaningful contact with both parents when appropriate. In many cases, this results in parenting schedules that are equal or nearly equal, unless evidence shows that such an arrangement would not serve the child’s best interests.

Custody Matters for Unmarried Parents

When parents are not married at the time of a child’s birth, the mother is initially presumed to have custody. A father must first establish legal paternity before seeking custody or parenting time through the court.

Domestic Violence and Child Protection

Courts must carefully evaluate any allegations or evidence of domestic violence or abuse. If safety concerns are present, the court may limit parenting time or impose conditions such as supervised visitation to protect the child.

Visitation Rights

A parent who does not have primary physical custody is generally entitled to reasonable visitation unless the court determines that parenting time would place the child’s physical health or emotional development at risk.

Changing a Custody Order

Custody arrangements may be modified if circumstances materially change after the original order. A parent requesting a modification must show both a substantial change in circumstances and that the proposed modification would better serve the child’s best interests.

Child Custody Cases in Union and Franklin County

Families in Union seeking to resolve child custody issues do so under Missouri family law through the courts serving Franklin County. Parents are typically required to submit a detailed parenting plan, and alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation may be encouraged when appropriate. Ultimately, the court’s focus remains on creating a custody arrangement that supports the child’s long-term welfare and stability.

Ready and Willing to Fight for Child Custody in Union and Washington, Missouri in Franklin County

At Stange Law Firm, PC, you work with attorneys who focus their practice on domestic relations matters rather than general practice. This gives our firm a strong foundation for navigating custody and visitation cases throughout Franklin County.

Stange Law Firm has experience in many types of custody matters, including:

• Joint custody, physical custody, and legal custody arrangements
• Visitation rights and parenting time enforcement
• Franklin County relocation cases
• Franklin County paternity cases for unmarried parents

Contact a Franklin County, Union or Washington, Missouri Child Custody Attorney

If you are seeking an experienced attorney to assist with a custody or visitation matter in Franklin County, contact us online or by phone to schedule a consultation at our Union location:

Franklin County (Union), MO Office: 636-388-0700 | 5 South Oak Street, Union, Missouri 63084.