Anchorage Child Custody Lawyer

Alaska Visitation Rights Attorney

Custody disputes can be emotionally intense and hard fought. This is especially true when parents split up, because children may end up living far away from the noncustodial parent.

The Law Office of Maurice N. Ellis is a dedicated law practice focusing exclusively on divorce and family law. Mr. Ellis represents both fathers and mothers in contested proceedings regarding issues of child custody, modifications of custody, interference with visitation or custodial rights, and relocation cases. Based in Anchorage, he represents clients in Wasilla, Palmer and south central Alaska, and throughout the state.

Anchorage Child Custody Attorney

Ideally, disagreements can be worked out between the parents to avoid the costs and stress of custody litigation. In reality, there may be no “middle ground” when it comes to your kids. If you are fighting for custody, fighting for access or protecting your child’s well-being, trial lawyer Maurice Ellis provides years of experience in the Alaska family courts. He has litigated every type of custody dispute, including:

  • Initial determination of custody and visitation
  • Petitions concerning legal custody
  • Petitions for primary custody or shared physical custody
  • Modifications of custody or parenting time
  • Requests to relocate with the children
  • Paternity actions for visitation rights
  • Interfering with visitation rights
  • Grandparent visitation rights
  • Step-parent adoptions

In Alaska, the Alaska Legislature has expressed a preference for shared physical custody and joint legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the child lives, with shared custody defined as 30 percent or more of the overnights. Legal custody refers to authority over the child’s education, health and religious upbringing; joint legal custody means that both parents are involved in these important decisions, even if one parent has primary physical custody.

In awarding custody or visitation, the court is concerned with the best interests of the child, based on nine statutory factors. Because parents often have their own notions about what is best for their child, Maurice Ellis provides the perspective of experience and a realistic assessment of how custody will shake out if you take your dispute to trial. He will help you adjust your goals accordingly and present a compelling case to the court.

Experienced Representation in Alaska Custody Litigation

In a half-hour consultation, Maurice Ellis can answer your questions and explain where you stand in your specific child custody case. Call 907-258-1239 or contact us online. A 10% discount is extended to active duty military personnel.