The Utah Court of Appeals has issued an opinion addressing that questions, The case is Spencer v. Glover, just released. This case involves an attorney who represented a client in a divorce. The client subsequently posted a lengthy and derogatory review of the...
Month: April 2017
Going to court negatively impacts the children, Right?
Going to court negatively impacts the children, Right? I participate in a number of the online legal question and answer forums I often see that claim. But, it is always preceded by allegations that the other parent is not allowing visits, won't let the parent have...
How to spot legal malpractice in your family law case
Mistakes in your divorce and other family law cases can significantly impact your divorce settlement, child custody orders and other issues involved in your case. That is why it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who will protect your rights and guide you...
I am David R. Hartwig, Esq., a Salt Lake City attorney with extensive experience helping parents resolve simple or high-conflict custody issues reaching arrangements that work for children and parents. Child custody involves parent-time and visitation schedules, and can affect support. I help in all of these areas, providing comprehensive service clients need to achieve their custody goals.
Factors In Child Custody Decisions
As an experienced Utah child custody lawyer, I understand that custody cases may become a contentious issue even years after an order is finalized. The trend in Utah toward joint custody often creates messy, unworkable situations, which ultimately lead to enforcement issues when parents do not abide by their custody orders.
The best interests of the child must be considered, including:
• Whether joint legal or physical custody will benefit the child’s physical, psychological and emotional needs, or the child’s development
• The parents’ ability to give first priority to the child’s welfare, and reach shared decisions in the child’s best interest
• Whether each parent is capable of encouraging and accepting a positive relationship between the child and the other parent
• Whether both parents participated in raising the child before the divorce
• The distance between the parents’ homes
• The parents’ maturity and their willingness and ability to protect the child from conflict that may arise between the parents
• The parents’ ability to cooperate with each other and make decisions jointly
• Any history of, or potential for, child abuse, spouse abuse, or kidnapping
• Any other factors the court finds relevant
Despite the complicated and sensitive nature of custody matters, I have helped many clients successfully establish custody orders.
Get Help With Your Child Custody Issue
If you have a child custody issue, please contact me, David R. Hartwig, Esq. I am an experienced Salt Lake City custody lawyer dedicated to helping clients resolve complex custody issues and implement necessary custody orders. For high-conflict cases, I am also one of the few Utah child custody modification attorneys trained as a Special Master for ongoing dispute resolution.