Child Custody Attorneys in Wichita, Kansas in Sedgwick County
Addressing a legal matter involving children can feel especially overwhelming. In child custody cases, parents are often concerned about parenting time, decision-making authority, and maintaining a meaningful role in their children’s lives. When you are facing a custody dispute, it is important to work with an attorney who understands the importance of your parental rights while keeping your children’s best interests front and center.
At Stange Law Firm, PC, our attorneys recognize that custody matters require careful attention and thoughtful guidance. When you retain our firm for a child custody case in Wichita, Kansas, and throughout Sedgwick County, you can expect clear communication and support at every stage of the legal process.
In many situations, resolving a custody matter through agreement may offer a practical path forward. However, when parents have significantly different views on what arrangement best serves their children, settlement may not be achievable. In those cases, our attorneys are prepared to advocate on your behalf, ensuring your position is effectively presented and your voice is heard both in and out of the courtroom.
Stange Law Firm, PC offers attorneys who focus their practice on child custody matters. Many of our attorneys have earned professional recognition for their work, as reflected in their individual biographies. We also maintain an office in Wichita, Kansas, allowing us to serve clients throughout Sedgwick County with accessibility and convenience.
Wichita, Kansas Child Custody Attorneys Ready to Guide You in Custody Matters in Sedgwick County
Navigating a custody matter in Wichita can feel overwhelming, especially when every decision has a direct impact on your children. Our attorneys take the time to understand your concerns, explain how the process works in Sedgwick County, and help you prepare for each step. Whether you are seeking a workable schedule, addressing concerns about decision-making, or responding to changes that affect your children, we aim to provide steady guidance. Our goal is to help you approach your case with clarity and confidence so you can move forward with a plan that supports your role as a parent and protects the well-being of your children.
You can also learn more about the Sedgwick County Court system by visiting the pages below:
- Sedgwick County Circuit Clerk’s Office: More information about the Sedgwick County Circuit Clerk’s office can be found here.
- Sedgwick County Court Rules: Review court rules that apply within Sedgwick County here.
- Sedgwick County Domestic Relations Forms: Access Sedgwick County forms related to custody matters here.
- Wichita, Kansas Government: Learn more about the government of Wichita, Kansas at this link.
- Sedgwick County Courthouse: Click here for the address and directions to the Sedgwick County Courthouse.
Child Custody in Wichita, Kansas
Child custody matters in Wichita, Kansas are governed by Kansas statutes and case law and often arise during dissolution proceedings, parentage actions, or when a parent seeks to change an existing custody or parenting plan. When parents are unable to reach an agreement on their own, the court will establish custody and parenting arrangements intended to protect the child’s welfare and promote stability.
Kansas courts focus on practical, child-centered solutions that support the child’s long-term emotional, physical, and developmental needs.
How Custody Is Decided Under Kansas Law
Kansas courts evaluate custody by considering the overall circumstances of the family rather than relying on any single factor. The court’s analysis may include:
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The child’s daily needs and overall well-being
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Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
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The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
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Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, consistent, and supportive environment
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The ability of each parent to cooperate and communicate regarding the child
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Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
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The mental and physical health of the parents and child
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The child’s wishes, when the court finds the child is mature enough for those wishes to be considered
Kansas law does not presume that one parent should have custody based on gender, income, or marital status.
Custody Structure in Kansas
Kansas custody determinations typically involve three related components: legal custody, residency, and parenting time.
Legal Custody
Legal custody addresses who has the authority to make major decisions for the child, including those involving education, healthcare, and general upbringing.
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Joint legal custody allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities
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Sole legal custody gives one parent authority to make major decisions
Residency
Residency determines where the child primarily lives.
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Primary residency places the child mainly with one parent
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Shared residency allows the child to live with both parents for significant periods
Parenting Time
Parenting time establishes when the child spends time with each parent, including regular schedules, holidays, and school breaks.
Courts may combine these arrangements in a variety of ways depending on what best serves the child.
Parenting Time and Ongoing Parental Relationships
Kansas courts generally support parenting plans that allow children to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents when it is safe and appropriate. Parenting schedules are tailored to the child’s age, routine, and family dynamics, to minimize disruption while maintaining consistency.
Custody for Unmarried Parents
When parents are not married, custody and parenting rights are addressed through a parentage action. Once parentage is legally established, either parent may request custody, residency, or parenting time orders from the court.
Domestic Violence and Child Safety
Kansas courts must carefully consider any allegations or evidence of domestic violence or abuse when deciding custody matters. If safety concerns are present, the court may limit parenting time, order supervised visitation, or impose other safeguards to protect the child.
Modifying a Child Custody Order
Custody orders in Kansas may be modified if circumstances materially change and the requested modification would serve the child’s best interests. Courts weigh modification requests carefully to preserve stability for the child whenever possible.
Child Custody Matters in Wichita and Sedgwick County
Families in Wichita resolve child custody matters under Kansas law through the courts serving Sedgwick County. Parenting plans are commonly required, and mediation may be encouraged to help parents reach workable solutions. Ultimately, the court’s goal is to create a custody arrangement that supports the child’s long-term stability, safety, and well-being.
Contact Wichita, Kansas Child Custody Attorneys in Sedgwick County
If you are navigating a child custody case in Wichita or throughout Sedgwick County and want to speak with a custody lawyer, the attorneys at Stange Law Firm, PC are ready to assist. You can contact us online or by calling the number below to schedule a consultation.
Sedgwick County (Wichita), Kansas Office (316-202-2041) | 2024 North Woodlawn Blvd, Suite 407, Wichita, Kansas 67208
