Child custody decisions are among the most delicate and emotionally charged aspects of a divorce. Understandably, parents often wonder if their child’s voice will be heard in these decisions. You may find comfort in knowing that Missouri courts aim to prioritize the best interests of the child while ensuring that the custody arrangement supports their overall well-being. As an attorney, I, Scott A. Hamblin, have guided many families through these cases. While these matters are never easy, understanding how your child’s age can influence custody decisions is an important first step.
Missouri courts are bound by the “best interests of the child” standard when determining custody. This means that judges consider a comprehensive set of factors to craft an arrangement that benefits the child physically, emotionally, and mentally. These factors include:
Creating a fair and supportive custody plan requires reviewing these elements in detail. While the law makes no specific provision prioritizing a child’s preferences, their age and maturity can indirectly influence the court’s decision-making process.
Many parents ask me whether their children can choose where they want to live after a divorce. While these preferences are not the sole determinant, Missouri courts do take them into account under certain conditions. Unlike some states, Missouri does not designate a specific age when a child’s preference becomes decisive. Instead, the weight of their opinion depends on their maturity and ability to provide a reasoned, independent choice.
For example, a teenager who can clearly articulate why they feel more comfortable with one parent, perhaps due to shared interests or stability in schooling, may have their preference considered more heavily. On the other hand, a younger child’s preferences are weighed cautiously, as they may be more influenced by short-term emotions or unspoken pressures.
Judges use several methods to determine whether a child’s preference should influence a custody arrangement. One common approach is to conduct a private interview with the child in the judge’s chambers. This setting offers a safe space for them to share their feelings without being subject to the pressures of the courtroom.
Additionally, guardians ad litem or custody evaluators may be appointed to gather insights into what arrangement would work best for the child. By speaking with family members and the child directly, these professionals provide a comprehensive picture of the child’s needs and wishes.
Understanding how a child’s age ties into these evaluations is critical. While older children may contribute meaningfully to the conversation, courts will always weigh this against practical considerations, such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing home environment.
Child custody cases are deeply personal, and as a parent, your priority is your child’s happiness and well-being. Whether you’re uncertain about how your child’s age might influence your custody arrangement or need guidance navigating the legal system, I’m here to help. We can work toward a custody solution that respects your family’s unique dynamics and protects your child’s best interests. Contact my office today to schedule a consultation.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A mother was seeking sole custody of her children following a divorce. The father refused to cooperate, leaving the client in a difficult situation as she felt as though her children didn’t have a voice. Scott recognized her need for an advocate and carefully listened to the children’s wishes, which conclusively helped the client achieve sole custody of her children and protected their best interests.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
Scott assisted a defendant in a particularly challenging divorce case in which the other spouse was not cooperating. Scott was able to help the client avoid court through an aggressive legal approach to resolve all outstanding disagreements while maintaining the client’s long-term needs.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
A grandparent sought visitation rights to his grandchild after the parent tried to block him. Scott takes grandparents’ rights very seriously, and so he devised a strategy to help the grandparent set a visitation schedule. Scott developed a strategy to show that the child’s best interests were fulfilled through the grandparent’s ability to visit the child, helping push the case towards a resolution in the client’s favor.
Scott assisted a client who was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. The defendant claimed that the opposing party using their phone at the time of the crash, and Scott emphasized this claim to show that the other driver was at fault for the client’s injuries. The case concluded with the client receiving the necessary compensation for medical bills following a long hospital stay due to injuries.
When first starting out I wasn't sure who could handle my situation I was in I did some research on Google and found Scott Hamblin and read the reviews I ended up hiring Scott Hamblin and I was in a situation where the Mom was making really bad allegations and alienating me from my Child but in the end Scott Hamblin was a great lawyer he did his job extremely well and was able to get my son back to me I definitely would recommend him to anyone that is in need with any kind of legal or family case.
Attorney Hamblin is extremely professional, kind, and caring. We hired him for a family law case. We won!! He was prepared for the case and did an excellent job. I would highly recommend him. I trust him so much that I’m planning to have him help us with our will next. I deeply appreciate how hard he worked for us.
I was going through a contested divorce case and custody battle. When I hired Scott I felt my world was crashing around me. Scott jumped in and handled the case very professionally and to the point. He argued the facts and made sure that my rights was not violated. I am happy to report that I have my children with me now and could not be happier. Thank you Scott for fighting for me. If I ever need an attorney again, Scott Hamblin will be the one that I am going to call.
I hired Scott in the middle of my 2 yearlong custody modification case. After discussing with Scott about how I felt I did not have an aggressive enough lawyer with my first lawyer for the case, I was fighting against ex-husband, Scott gladly took the case. Scott and Madysn were extremely responsive with questions that I had and, helped me along the way to make the best decisions for my case with my financial situation in mind. Scott left no rock unturned in the trial and was extremely prepared for the case. After a long 2 days' worth of trial,…
Scott was knowledgeable and efficient, expertly guiding us through the process. He took the time to explain every step clearly and made sure we felt informed and confident in our decisions. Beyond his professionalism and attention to detail, Scott was also incredibly kind and personable, which made working with him a genuinely positive experience. His responsiveness and approachable demeanor helped put us at ease throughout. I would highly recommend Scott to anyone in need of legal services.
Scott and his office were so helpful, thorough and professional during a very adversarial divorce. He offers good solid advice. He does not pursue options which will more than likely not yield a good result ( unless the client insists). He strives to give his clients the best results for their money. He's personable but professional. He answers inquiries quickly and clearly. Highly recommend!
Mr. Hamblin is one of the best attorneys we have ever had the privilege to use. He is courteous and to the point. I would recommend him to anyone and we will continue to use his services.
Scott Hamblin is simply put - the best! Scott deserves 10 stars! He has all the qualities a person could ask for with legal representation and more. I even had a lawyer from another county tell me, Mr. Hamblin is an excellent lawyer. That remark alone told me how respected he is, by his peers. He's highly professional, extremely knowledgeable, respectful and courteous, does his due diligence to understand and know his case, has excellent communication skills with his staff and client. His performance in the court room arena was exciting to watch. Dynamic! I knew when I walked into…
Scott Hamblin is the best lawyer that I have ever met. He really cares about his clients and does not sugar coat anything. He works very hard to help his clients, and knows the law very well, and he will work with you on your tab if he can. The staff there is very helpful too. I would recommend Scott and that law firm to anyone that needs a lawyer. They are the best. And you get what you pay for, so give them a call.
I am very pleased with Mr. Hamblin. I needed an attorney for my custody case and I did not know who to use. I found Mr. Hamblin on the internet. All the reviews I read and now my experiences with him and his team are spot on. I was being denied reasonable time with my daughter. Her mother attempted to continue to limit my time but Mr. Hamblin's hard work and dedication to my case resulted in equal custody of my daughter. I highly recommend Mr. Hamblin!
For accessible and experienced representation, contact attorney Scott Hamblin today.
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