Child Custody & Visitation

Newton Child Custody Attorney & Visitation Rights in Middlesex County, MA

Helping You Achieve the Best Solution for Your Family

In Massachusetts, family courts understand the importance of parents maintaining a solid and loving bond with their children after a divorce. Although both parents have an equal right to custody, the deciding factor in such family law cases is the best interests of the children, which includes the age of the children and the stability of each household. If you are getting a divorce and have children, you will need a legal team to help you achieve the best possible results for your family.

At The Halks Firm, our child custody lawyers serving Newton have the experience and insight to skillfully guide you through this sensitive matter.

Contact The Halks Firm in Newton Today at (781) 995-0107 to Set Up a Free Initial Consultation With One of Our Family Law Attorneys.

Determining Child Custody in Newton

Massachusetts, unlike most other states, does not provide a list of elements a judge must consider when determining the best interests of the children. However, although the law does not specifically state which factor a judge will examine, it does state that the family court must determine if the children’s current or past living conditions negatively impact their emotional or physical health.

Additionally, it is also likely that a judge will take a look at the following factors:

  • The children’s emotional ties with each parent
  • The willingness and ability of each parent to provide for the children’s needs
  • The distance between each parent
  • Each parent’s willingness to nurture a close relationship between the children and their other parent
  • Each parent’s previous responsibilities in regards to raising the children

If a judge believes the children are old enough and mature enough, their preference might also be considered. In cases where a parent has a history of domestic violence, sole custody would likely be awarded to the other parent.

Legal vs. Physical Custody in Massachusetts

The matter of child custody can be split into two categories: legal and physical custody.

Legal custody refers to the right that a parent has to make important life decisions on behalf of their children. These decisions include medical, educational, religious, etc.

Physical custody refers to the right that a parent has to care for the children’s physical needs, such as where the children will physically live.

Sole vs. Joint Custody in Massachusetts

Sole custody is when one parent is given the right and responsibility for the custody of their children, either legal or physical or both.

Joint custody is when both parents must share custody rights, either legal or physical or both.

The family court in Newton typically seeks to award joint custody as it is often in the child's best interest.

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    Attorney Nicholas Halks has tried over 40 cases.
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Unbreakable Bonds Built with Previous Clients

Hear What They Have to Say

At The Halks Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Nick was able to understand my situation and to put my child’s best interests as the top priority.”
    I hired Nick last February when an urgent family matter occurred. Throughout the year, Nick and his team has helped me at each step of the process regarding to my child custody case. Nick is a professional, knowledgeable, detail-oriented attorney who takes his clients’ cases seriously. Whether it was drafting legal documents or representing me in the court, I felt confident with Nick and his team behind my back. Being a parent himself, Nick was able to understand my situation and to put my child’s best interests as the top priority. The rest of his team is very professional as well and easy to reach to whenever I had questions. Overall, I am very satisfied with the work that Nick and his team has done.
    Junru
    “When all was gone you, and your firm allowed hope.”
    Nick- you, and your team are awesome! Dea Thank You again today for all your help! The Halks Firm made it happen today. Judge Roberts was extremely impressed with the agreement. When all was gone you, and your Firm allowed hope. Thanks again Joe
    Joe
    “I will always recommend him to family and friends. Nicholas Halks is a winner!”
    If you want great representation, look no further than Nicholas Halks. He is professional, committed to his clients, hard-working, and assertive in his efforts. Many lawyers make deals with other lawyers for their own benefit or prolong a case to make more money. Nicholas Halks is a truly honest attorney. He listens well, responds promptly and is incredibly pro-active. He helped me to win my case and i knew he would the whole time because he believed in me as a client. I am going to use him again should I need to in the future and I will always recommend him to family and friends. Nicholas Halks is a winner!
    Linda
    “Nick handled my case flawlessly and prepared me for a great victory”
    I couldn't be happier with my experience and my results with Nicholas Halks and his firm. Everyone there showed so much compassion for what I was going through and truly listened to all of my concerns. Nick handled my case flawlessly and prepared me for a great victory. I am very lucky to have been referred to him by my friend. He is the best, and I would highly refer him to anyone.
    Tara