Louisiana Child Custody Lawyer Debra Kesler

Guiding Families through All Louisiana Child Custody Matters

When couples go through a divorce, emotions can cloud judgment - especially when children are involved. Yet during such a stressful time, you’re faced with making sound decisions about your children, your home, and your future.

It is critical to have an accomplished, supportive lawyer who offers clear-eyed counsel on what is best for you and your child.

Either party to a divorce may request custody and visitation of a minor child. If you and your spouse cannot agree on issues involving the children, the court will decide custody and visitation arrangements.


How a Judge Determines Louisiana Child Custody Cases

In all divorce cases, the Louisiana courts will do everything possible to act in the best interests of the children, emotionally and financially. Some of the factors the court will consider are the:

  • Loving relationship between each parent and the child.
  • Parent’s ability to continue to nurture and provide for the child's essentials such as medical care, education and spiritual guidance.
  • Stability and permanence of the current or proposed custodial home.
  • Physical, moral and mental fitness of each parent.
  • The child’s preference, if the court regards the child to be old enough.
  • Ability of each parent to promote a loving and enduring relationship between the child and the other parent.
  • Distance between both parents' homes.
  • Prior to the divorce, the responsibility undertaken by each parent in the care and rearing of the child.


Louisiana courts presume that joint custody is in the best interest of the child.

Joint custody can be anything—from the child living with one parent and spending most of the time with that parent, while having frequent contact with the other parent—to an equal time sharing plan. Many different visitation arrangements are possible, and the most creative solutions are usually reached outside of court.

If you have reason to contest joint custody, there must be evidence that will clearly convince the court that sole custody is in the child’s best interest. Louisiana child custody orders may also be changed in certain circumstances.

Whether you are the mother or father, I want to help you find workable solutions. Your child custody settlement is just one part of a comprehensive plan, and that plan must protect you and your family.

It takes experience to understand what may or may not affect a judge's decision. For more information, contact Louisiana child custody lawyer Debra Kesler.

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