Nothing in a divorce or separation matters more than your children. Montana law approaches these questions through parenting plansrather than the old win-or-lose language of custody, and that framing matters, because the goal is a workable arrangement that protects your kids, not a battle to be won. As a Certified Guardian ad Litem, I've been appointed by courts to represent children's interests, and I bring that exact insight to protecting yours.

How Montana Handles Custody

Rather than “custody” and “visitation,” Montana uses a parenting plan that allocates parenting time and decision-making responsibility between parents. A complete plan addresses the residential schedule, how major decisions get made, holidays and vacations, transportation, communication, and how disputes will be resolved.

The Best-Interests Standard

Montana courts decide parenting under the best interests of the child standard in MCA § 40-4-212. The court considers factors including:

  • Each parent's relationship with the child and their wishes
  • The child's needs, and each parent's ability to meet them
  • The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
  • The stability and continuity of the child's care
  • Any history of abuse, neglect, or chemical dependency

Montana does not presume that either parent is preferable based on gender; both begin on equal footing.

Experience That Centers Children

Two credentials shape how we approach custody. My Certified Guardian ad Litem appointment means I know precisely what courts look for in a parenting case. Misty Gaubatz's ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) training informs how we minimize the lasting impact of conflict on children. Together, that keeps the focus where it belongs: on your kids.

Resolving Custody Without a War

Many parenting disputes can be resolved without a courtroom fight through our Cooperative Family Lawapproach, sparing children the damage of a contested battle. But when an agreement isn't possible, or your relationship with your child is genuinely threatened, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court. Either way, we build the case around your children's best interests and your role in their lives.