CHILD CUSTODY
In Mississippi, custody decisions are made in the best interests of the children without discriminating against parents based on gender. Courts assume that joint custody is in the best interests of the child, allowing both parents to make decisions regarding their children's health, medical and educational needs.
Family law attorney Dustin Thomas shares that philosophy in his practice of divorce law. Forsaking "legal-speak" for a more plain-speaking approach, he explains the law in understandable terms.
Pursuing Custody And Visitation In The Best Interests Of Children And Parents
The founder of the Law Offices of Dustin N. Thomas, PLLC, understands how the emotional turmoil of divorce impacts both parents and their children. His focus is on finding the best outcome so families can move on to the next chapters of their lives.
Custody can take many forms and include:
- Physical/legal custody to one parent
- Joint physical/legal custody to both parents
- Joint legal custody to both parents and physical custody to one parent
- Joint physical custody to both parents and legal custody to one parent
Custody is not automatic to one parent or the other. One spouse convicted of family violence could be denied custody. Specific exceptions exist and include completion of a batterer's treatment program, anger management, parenting class, or alcohol or drug treatment program, if necessary.
Any further acts of violence could lead to supervised visitation, exchange of a child in a protected setting and no overnight visitation.