Caring Advocates For You And Your Child’s Legal Issues

Parents who share a child face countless challenges, regardless of whether they are married. Whether you have divorced your former partner or you never married, the numerous legal issues that might affect your child can easily feel overwhelming.

At VanDerHeyden Law Office, P.A., our team of family law attorneys understands what you are going through. Since 1980, the attorneys at our law firm have assisted mothers and fathers with a variety of legal matters related to parenting. You can turn to us for counsel regarding child custody, visitation, paternity and any other family law concerns for which you need a lawyer.

What Are Minnesota’s Child Custody And Visitation Guidelines?

If a child’s parents cannot reach an agreement privately regarding custody and visitation, the court will issue a decision based on criteria such as:

• The parents’ relationships with the child
• Each parent’s ability to raise the child
• The parents’ willingness to cooperate
• The location of the parents’ homes
• The child’s involvement in school, church or other community activities

Ultimately, the court’s decision will prioritize the best interests of the child to ensure their well-being and stability.

Why Does Paternity Matter?

The state does not need to determine a child’s mother. However, it does need to determine the identity of a child’s father. This is called paternity. Paternity can be determined by signing the child’s birth certificate, a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or a DNA test. You must determine paternity before you can enforce your custodial rights or get visitation with your child.

Learn More About How We Can Help

These are just a few of the many issues that you might face as a parent. To learn more about what we can do for you, reach out to our team in Rochester. Call us at 866-586-7905 or send us an email to schedule your initial consultation.