Child Custody Attorneys Serving Johnson County & the Kansas City Area
Protecting Your Family Through Change
Child custody matters can be some of the most emotional and difficult issues a parent will face. Decisions about where your children will live, how parenting time will be shared, and how important decisions will be made can have a lasting impact on your entire family. At Walsh & Fahey, we help parents throughout Leawood, Johnson County, and surrounding Kansas communities understand their rights and work toward custody arrangements that provide children with stability while protecting the parent-child relationship.
Whenever possible, we help parents resolve custody matters with as little conflict as possible through thoughtful negotiation, mediation, and collaborative solutions. When parents cannot reach an agreement or circumstances require court intervention, our experienced attorneys are prepared to advocate for your parental rights and your child's best interests. Whether you're establishing custody for the first time or facing changes to an existing arrangement, we'll provide clear guidance and a strategy tailored to your family's unique circumstances.
Child Custody Matters We Handle
Our attorneys assist parents with a wide range of child custody and parenting matters, including:
Legal custody
Sole custody matters
Residential custody
Custody and parenting time modifications
Parenting time
Relocation matters
Parenting plans
Enforcement of custody and parenting time orders
Joint custody arrangements
High-conflict custody disputes
Every family is different. Your parenting arrangement should reflect the needs of yours.
Child Custody FAQs
How is child custody determined in Kansas?
Kansas courts make custody and parenting decisions based on the best interests of the child. A variety of factors may be considered, including the child's needs, each parent's relationship with the child, the parents' ability to cooperate, and the stability each parent can provide.
What's the difference between legal custody and residential custody?
Legal custody generally refers to the authority to make important decisions concerning a child's health, education, and welfare. Residential custody relates to where the child lives and the parenting schedule between the parents.
Do mothers automatically receive custody in Kansas?
No. Kansas custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child rather than automatically favoring one parent because of gender.
Can a child custody order be changed?
Yes. Custody and parenting arrangements may be modified when circumstances change and a modification is appropriate under Kansas law. An attorney can help you determine whether your circumstances may support requesting a change.
Can we create our own parenting plan without going to court?
Parents can often work together to reach an agreement regarding custody and parenting time through negotiation or mediation. The agreement can then be submitted to the court for approval as part of the legal process.
What happens if the other parent isn't following our custody order?
If the other parent repeatedly violates an existing custody or parenting time order, legal remedies may be available to enforce it. The appropriate course of action depends on the circumstances and the terms of your existing order.
What if the other parent wants to move with our child?
Relocation can significantly affect an existing parenting arrangement and may involve specific legal requirements. If either parent is considering a move that could impact parenting time, it's important to seek legal guidance before making significant decisions.
Does child custody have to be decided as part of a divorce?
Custody issues commonly arise during divorce, but parents do not have to be married for a court to establish custody and parenting time. Unmarried parents may also need legal orders addressing custody, parenting time, and other parental rights.
Will my child have to choose which parent to live with?
A child's wishes may be one consideration depending on the circumstances, but children generally do not simply decide which parent receives custody. The court's ultimate consideration is the child's best interests.
Do I need an attorney for a child custody case?
Custody decisions can affect your relationship with your child for years to come. Having an experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, prepare an appropriate parenting plan, and advocate for you if a dispute requires court intervention.