Child Visitation Lawyer in Norfolk County

Protecting Your Time With Your Child

When parenting time is uncertain, every missed visit can feel overwhelming. Questions about where your child will live, how often you will see them, and who decides the schedule can create constant stress. If you are facing a visitation dispute in Norfolk County, you do not have to navigate it alone.

At Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, we help parents understand their rights and options around custody and parenting time under Massachusetts law. We know that these cases are not just legal issues, they affect your daily relationship with your child. Our firm focuses on clear communication and steady guidance so you always know what is happening and why.

To discuss your Norfolk County visitation concerns in confidence, call (508) 206-9334.

How We Help With Visitation

Parents come to us at many different stages. Some are beginning a divorce or custody case and need a parenting schedule that fits their child’s routine. Others already have an order and are struggling with changes, missed visits, or a co-parent who refuses to follow the schedule. As a visitation attorney Norfolk County parents rely on for guidance, we focus on practical solutions for these real situations.

We start by listening carefully to your goals and your child’s needs. Work schedules, school hours, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities all matter. We then work with you to develop a visitation proposal that supports your child’s stability and keeps your relationship at the center. When possible, we use negotiation or mediation to try to reach an agreement that both parents can follow.

If the other parent will not cooperate or if serious concerns exist, we are prepared to present your position to the court. We help you organize your information so the judge can understand your child’s daily life. In complex matters where safety, finances, or contested facts are involved, we can draw on a network of private investigators or forensic professionals when that is appropriate for the case.

Understanding Visitation In Massachusetts

Massachusetts courts do not use a single standard schedule for everyone. Instead, judges look at what is in the “best interests of the child.” Factors often include the child’s age, existing caregiving arrangements, each parent’s ability to meet daily needs, the child’s school and community ties, and any history of violence or substance use. The court may also consider the level of conflict between parents and how well each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other parent.

For many families in this area, visitation and custody matters are handled in Norfolk County Probate and Family Court. Parents can expect an organized process that may include temporary orders, opportunities to negotiate or mediate, and hearings where the judge reviews evidence and testimony. Schedules may involve shared time between homes, primary residence with parenting time for the other parent, detailed holiday plans, and, in some cases, supervised visits when safety is a concern.

Common Visitation Challenges Parents Face

Some visitation and parenting time problems we commonly see include:

• Repeatedly missed or shortened visits without good reason
• Parents refusing to follow holiday or vacation schedules in the order
• Disagreements over overnights for younger children
• Efforts to move a child to another town or state without agreement
• Ongoing arguments at exchanges that upset the child

Steps To Take In A Visitation Dispute

Practical steps you can take right away include:

• Saving texts, emails, and notes about missed or shortened visits
• Writing down dates, times, and brief descriptions of problems
• Staying calm and brief in your communication with the other parent
• Focusing conversations on your child’s needs, not past grievances
• Scheduling a consultation with our firm to review your options

Frequently Asked Questions

How will a visitation case be decided here?

A judge generally applies the “best interests of the child” standard. The court looks at factors such as each parent’s caregiving role, the child’s routine, school connections, and any safety concerns. We explain how these principles relate to your specific facts and help you present relevant information clearly.

Can you help if my co-parent blocks visits?

We can review your order and your records, then advise you on options to address denied parenting time. Depending on the facts, this may involve negotiation, a request to clarify the schedule, or an enforcement action. Our goal is to restore consistent time with your child as effectively as possible.

What if I am worried about my child’s safety?

If you have safety concerns, we take them seriously. We talk through what you have seen, review available documentation, and explain possible steps, such as seeking temporary changes or supervised visits. When appropriate, we can also consult outside professionals to help the court understand any risks that may exist.

Will my visitation dispute have to go to trial?

Many visitation disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, without a full trial. We usually begin by exploring those options, especially when they may reduce conflict for your child. If an agreement is not possible, we are prepared to present your case to the judge and advocate for a fair result.

Talk To Us About Visitation

Your parenting time arrangement shapes your child’s daily life and your relationship with them. You do not need to face difficult decisions, court forms, and conversations with the other parent on your own. A visitation lawyer Norfolk County parents trust can provide structure, support, and a plan.

At Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, we bring a client-centered approach to every visitation case, with clear communication, practical advice, and determined advocacy. We work to understand your family’s needs and to pursue a path that supports your child’s well-being and preserves your role in their life.

To discuss your Norfolk County visitation concerns in confidence, call (508) 206-9334.