Solutions for Out-of-the-Ordinary
Child Custody and Visitation Needs
It is clear that we no longer live in a world where every child lives with their biological mother and father, if we ever did.
At the law firm of Barbara E. Hecht, P.C., we accept our clients and their legal issues as they are and work to develop legal strategies and solutions that are tailored to fit the unique needs and goals of each person we represent.
For common sense solutions, close to home ... and to take advantage of the more than 35 years of experience we have to offer — call or contact our firm today.
Our Practice
As an attorney, Barbara E. Hecht knows that anyone can love and care for a child, and that a child can gain something meaningful and important from continued relationships with people other than their biological parents. Over the course of her career, in fact, she has successfully helped many members of the LGBT community, grandparents and others to preserve meaningful relationships with non-biological children.
Because neither Kansas nor Missouri recognizes civil unions or same-sex marriages, it is a good idea for same-sex couples to have a cohabitation agreement and an estate plan drafted early on in your relationship. We can help you with either of those needs. Also, it is generally preferable to resolve any disputes through mediation or the collaborative law method rather than leaving the outcome to a court that may not be sensitive to your needs.
Grandparents and step-parents can petition for child custody or visitation rights only under limited circumstances and will generally be successful only if they can show that granting those rights is in the best interests of the children. If a step-parent adoption has been completed and the child's biological parent dies, the surviving step-parent may be able to obtain custody and visitation rights awarded to the biological grandparents.
In addition to the work we do on behalf of LGBT parents, grandparents and step-parents — our firm also represents extended family members and other third parties who are seeking guardianships of minor children.
Contact Us
To discuss your child custody or visitation concerns with an experienced lawyer, call or contact any of our four office locations today.
Offices in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas,
and in the Missouri Cities of Kansas City and Sunrise Beach
Major Credit Cards Accepted
