Lafayette Child Custody & Visitation Attorneys
Caring & Strategic Advocacy for Families & Couples in Acadiana
Child custody cases can be nerve-racking, heartbreaking, and stressful, especially while undergoing additional separation or divorce proceedings. Many parents worry about the long-term impacts on their children's lives and well-being. While the stakes can feel immeasurably high, you don’t have to navigate this process alone.
At LeJeune & Associates, we are committed to guiding your family toward a happier, healthier chapter through clear guidance and compassionate advocacy backed by decades of experience. Our child custody attorneys have represented families since 1999, underscoring our longstanding dedication to protecting parental rights.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance by failing to seek experienced representation. Our firm can work tirelessly to achieve a stable arrangement that supports your child’s best interests. We take the time to truly understand your needs, explain your legal options, and pursue practical solutions tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
If you’re preparing for child custody proceedings in Lafayette, we can advocate for an outcome that upholds your parental rights. Call (337) 607-1908 to schedule a consultation.
How Is Child Custody Determined in Louisiana?
Family courts always prioritize the best interest of the child in custody and visitation decisions. Some influencing factors include (but are not limited to):
- The child’s age and health
- The child’s emotional ties to each parent
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- Any history of domestic abuse, neglect, or substance misuse
- The willingness of each parent to provide a safe and stable home
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Honest Feedback from People We’ve Helped
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"They have treated us like family."They have time and time again gone above and beyond for our case and prove that no matter what they will always give 110%!- Shelby A.
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"They really went the extra mile for me."I was recommended to Mr. Clay LeJeune Law Firm by a family member. After contacting and set up a meeting he was very willing and went out his way to help me get my legal situation taken care.- Derek C.
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"I recommend Clay LeJeune to any person who need professional service."Clay LeJeune went out of his way to provide me with the best law service, and deepest compliance to fix what was unjustly brought against me. I recommend Clay LeJeune to any person who need professional service. Thank you Clay LeJeune for all of your help and assistance.- Winnie B.
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"I would definitely recommend this law firm."So where do I begin. Attorney Clay is extremely intelligent, he knows what he is talking about for sure, gives you best advice, won't waste your time or money. He jumped on my case immediately. The whole staff is very friendly and just wonderful, Amanda is awesome. I would definitely recommend this law firm.- Rachel H.
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"Words cannot express how grateful we are for Mr. LeJeune and his staff."From day one he was on top of our case and showed us compassion. If you're looking for results Clay LeJeune is your Attorney!- Stephanie L.
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"He saved my career, livelihood, and in some ways it feels like my life."
I owe Mr. Clay so much. He saved my career, livelihood, and in some ways it feels like my life. Not to mention kept me out of prison. My family and I are so very much grateful for him and his staff. It’s tough dealing with criminal charges but I was found some relief when he said that he wasn’t worried and that I shouldn’t be until he was. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else in Acadiana.
- Gabriel M. -
"A top notch attorney."I highly recommend! Best criminal defense attorney in this area for sure. His staff is so helpful and so supportive. Always there when you need them and will protect you and your future.- Tonya C.
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"They have my business for LIFE."
Through this process they always kept me up to date on what was going on with my case and never left me wondering what was happening next.
- Shannon D.
Understanding the Different Types of Child Custody
There are two primary types of child custody:
Physical Custody
Physical custody designates the child’s primary residence and which parent is responsible for their daily care (“domiciliary parent”).
Legal Custody
Legal custody is the right to make important decisions in a child’s life, such as religious upbringing, education, medical care, and extracurricular activities.
Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With?
From a legal standpoint, a child cannot choose which parent they want to live with until they turn 18. However, this doesn’t mean that their preference doesn’t matter. The judge may consider the child’s wishes if reasonable and age-appropriate, but will do so in the context of additional factors, such as the child’s emotional needs, parental abilities, stability of the home, and overall best interest.
In some cases, the judge may interview the child privately in a special family court procedure called a Watermeier hearing. This allows the child to provide their testimony without the added stress of being in a public courtroom. The goal is to understand the child’s perspective on custody and parental relationships. We can help you navigate this sensitive process with care and advocate for an outcome that puts your child first.
What Are the Different Types of Visitation?
If one parent is awarded sole custody, the non-domiciliary parent may receive visitation rights if it is in the child’s best interest. Grandparents and relatives can also receive visitation time if the court deems it appropriate for the child.
Common types of visitation include:
- Scheduled visitation where the non-domiciliary parent follows a set schedule for spending time with the child.
- Supervised visitation when there are concerns about the child’s safety. Visits are supervised by a third party, such as a social worker or family member.
- Virtual visitation where the non-domiciliary parent can communicate with the child through phone calls or video conferencing.
- Open visitation where the non-domiciliary parent can visit the child at any time without a set schedule.
What Are the Different Types of Child Custody Arrangements?
Child custody can be joint (awarded to one parent) or sole (shared between both parents). Louisiana law encourages joint custody, but sole custody may be awarded if one parent is deemed unfit. Our attorneys can protect your parental rights throughout the process and work toward an arrangement that supports your child’s future.
Can a Child Custody Order Be Modified?
Family courts recognize that child custody modifications may be necessary to accommodate the evolving needs of families, especially as children grow and develop. However, the petitioning parent must meet certain requirements to modify the current order. These include:
- Material change in circumstances. You must prove that a significant change has occurred since the last custody order was issued.
- Best interest of the child. You must demonstrate that the proposed change is in your child’s best interest.
Common grounds for modifications include a relocation, a career change, or new safety concerns (such as a parent developing substance abuse issues). If you’re seeking a custody modification, we can help you prepare the necessary documents and present clear evidence that supports the proposal.