Picture of Michael Anzalone

Child Custody

The decision of child custody and the arguments that commonly arise from divorce can be one of the most stressful times for a family. For parents, being able to spend time with and make decisions concerning children is one of the most basic, yet complicated, rights. For parents battling over child custody, disagreements can easily turn bitter, making even the most amicable splits into fierce battles.

Additionally, the many steps and laws concerning child custody arrangements in New Hampshire can be confusing and frustrating. Through consulting with and hiring a New Hampshire family law lawyer, a parent can better understand his or her rights and work to preserve the relationship they deserve with their child.

Forms and Rights of Child Custody

Under New Hampshire law, there are several different types of child custody, each with their own rights. As such, it is important to understand what each type is and how it can affect your relationship with a child.

  • Sole Legal Custody: One parent has the sole authority to make major decisions on behalf of the child. Major decisions concern health care, education, and religion.

  • Joint Legal Custody: Both parents can make major decisions concerning the child, often having to come in agreement together for the decisions concerning the child. This does not have to be in compliance with joint physical custody.

  • Sole Physical Custody: The child will only live with one parent, however, the non-custodial parent can have visitation rights and the child may be able to stay at his or her residence.

  • Joint Physical Custody: Also known as Shared Custody, Dual Residence, or Shared Parenting, where the child lives with both parents for approximately the same amount of time. The exact details of what days are spent with which parents are decided in negotiations.

Responsibilities for Child Custody

Parents are required to provide proper care for their children, keeping them in good health, keeping them out of harm's way, and making decisions that are in their best interests. Should a parent be seen as unsafe for a child prior to custody negotiations, he or she may easily lose their rights to the child or end up with far less custody rights than the other parent. After custody has been arranged, any continued failings in the care of a child may cause a renegotiation that may take away the rights of the parent in question.

All parents are required to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children, no matter what amount of custody they may have. Failing to do so may not only decrease their rights, but permanently damage their relationship with the other parent and their child.

Preserving Your Rights

At The Anzalone Law Firm, our Nashua child custody attorneys are dedicated to preserving the bond between parents and children that can often be broken by an unfair custody arrangement. With dedicated legal representation, we can find a fair custody agreement that will be beneficial both to you and your child. Don't let the tactics of your ex dictate your relationship with your child, contact us today to find out more about how we can aid you.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Great lawyer...Professional, organized, caring and effective. Michael is very informative and was always willing to explain the reasons behind what was being done. Can't say enough about how helpful he was every step of the way. It was really nice to feel like I actually understood what was going on with my case. Catherine Veilleux