Family law solutions to achieve the best possible outcome in every case.
Lafayette Child Custody Lawyer
Lafayette Child Custody & Visitation Attorney
Custody and visitation are perhaps the most emotionally taxing and difficult aspects of a divorce, the impacts of which are especially hard on the children involved. Your attorney’s legal experience makes all the difference in a custody case. As a skilled Lafayette child custody lawyer, Laura L. Davenport is committed to helping you reach an effective solution through settlement or mediation. She will quickly use her knowledge, skill, background and experience to become an aggressive advocate to aggressively protect and represent you and your interests should the case go to litigation.
Laura L. Davenport, LLC helps families with family law matters and has helped clients throughout the Acadiana, Lafayette, Abbeville, and Crowley areas to protect their legal rights. She is a firm believer in each child’s right to have their father play an active role in their lives. She does not believe a father should be a mere visitor in their child’s life. Laura L. Davenport is a father’s rights advocate.
Understanding The Laws Specific To Our State
Louisiana custody decisions focus on the child’s best interest. Civil Code Article 134 identifies factors involving safety, caregiving, stability, family relationships and the child’s needs. A parent’s gender alone does not resolve those questions.
When joint custody is decreed, current R.S. 9:335 calls for equal physical custody unless the court finds that it is not feasible or not in the child’s best interest. The implementation order also allocates parental authority. The appropriate arrangement depends on the family’s circumstances and the court’s order.
Parents should distinguish custody and visitation from child support. The parenting schedule, decision-making authority and financial support obligation are related, but separate issues. An existing judgment needs individual review before requesting a change.
Discuss Your Options Today
Laura L. Davenport can help you understand a custody judgment, explore a parenting arrangement, and discuss enforcement or modification. Bring the existing order, parenting schedule, relevant communications and a summary of your concerns to the consultation.
Call the Lafayette office at (337) 231-1397 or use the contact form.
Lafayette Child Custody Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does joint custody mean equal time?
When joint custody is decreed, current R.S. 9:335 calls for equal physical custody unless the court finds that it is not feasible or not in the child’s best interest. The implementation order also allocates parental authority. The appropriate arrangement depends on the family’s circumstances and the court’s order.
Can an existing custody order be changed?
An existing custody order can sometimes be changed, but the legal standard depends on the decree and timing. Civil Code Article 138 applies heightened requirements to a considered decree within five years. After five years, and in other cases, it requires a material change affecting the child’s welfare and a change that serves the child’s best interest. Ask your attorney which standard applies before relying on a general material-change explanation.
Can a child choose which parent to live with?
A child’s reasonable preference may be considered if the court finds the child old enough to express it. Under Civil Code Article 134, the preference is one factor; it does not decide custody by itself. The court considers the child’s best interest and applicable safety protections.
Related Family Law Services in Lafayette
Meet attorney Laura L. Davenport or contact the Lafayette office to discuss your circumstances.
Content updated October 13, 2026. General information; individual legal advice depends on your circumstances.
Request A Consultation
Fill Out The Form Below To Schedule A Consultation.
Fields Marked With An ” *” Are Required
"*" indicates required fields
Location
321 W. Main St
Suite 1F
Lafayette, LA 70501
phone (337) 231-1397
© 2026 LAURA L. DAVENPORT, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Powered By Eight Hats
*Images are obtained under license from Canva and other third-party stock image providers, with attribution included where required.