Experienced And Compassionate Metairie Family Law Lawyer
Last updated on June 20, 2025
With more than three decades of experience in assisting people with their most personal matters, Betsy A. Fischer & Associates, LLC, has learned the strategies needed to help people manage the legal issues that may arise during difficult family conflicts. We emphasize a personalized style of legal services in which we maximize contact between the clients and the family law lawyer, thereby establishing an attorney-client relationship that creates an environment within which clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues.
We regularly help clients needing legal advice regarding their divorce and divorce-related disputes throughout Louisiana, including Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner, Gretna, Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs, Slidell, Chalmette, Harvey, Destrehan, Luling, St. Rose, Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, St. Tammany Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Bernard Parish and St. John the Baptist Parish.
Personalized Family Legal Services
In addressing our clients’ needs, we take into account their own emotional situations and provide them with compassionate assistance. We advise our clients not only in divorce matters but also in those difficult times late in a loved one’s life when he or she may be struggling with end-of-life issues. Our experience with family law cases and the family court system enables us to recognize when resolving these conflicts necessitates court intervention and when it can be settled without trial. Here are a few of the different family law matters we can assist you with:
- Divorce
- LGBT divorce
- Child custody
- Child support
- Grandparents’ rights
- Alimony
- Adoption
We do not simply apply cookie-cutter solutions to complicated problems. Our experience with negotiating cooperative agreements doesn’t mean we shy away from the toughest divorces. Our firm is prepared to deal with divorces that involve issues such as domestic violence, restraining orders and child abuse.
Custody Modifications
Life is full of changes. Children grow, jobs shift, people move and circumstances change. Your existing child custody arrangement may no longer fit the needs of your family. In such cases, you may wish to pursue a modification.
How To Modify Child Custody In Louisiana
In Louisiana, the legal standards for modifying custody depend on the type of order.
- A consent decree (or order that both parties agreed to) can be changed by demonstrating a material change in circumstances. The court will also consider whether the proposed change is in the best interests of the child.
- A considered decree (or decision the judge made after hearing testimony and evidence) can only be changed in limited circumstances. The party seeking the change must show that the existing arrangement is not in the child’s best interests. This is a heavier legal burden to satisfy, and it requires clear and convincing evidence.
If you are seeking a modification or child relocation, it is important to present a strong case with supportive evidence to persuade the judge that the change is both warranted and in the best interests of the children. Likewise, if you are opposed to a proposed modification, you will need to make cogent arguments.
At Betsy A. Fischer & Associates, LLC, we can assess your situation and help you develop a strategic course of action for either modifying or opposing changes in child custody. You can rely on us for knowledgeable and practical guidance. With more than 30 years of family law experience, our lawyer, Betsy Fischer, understands the nuances of child custody modifications inside and out.
Emergency Custody Changes
In extreme situations, you may need to pursue a temporary change in custody on an emergency basis. To do so, you must demonstrate that the existing arrangement puts the children in danger.
Examples of circumstances that may warrant an emergency modification include:
- Abusive behavior or threats of abuse by the other parent
- Drug or alcohol abuse that jeopardizes the children’s safety
- Abandonment or neglect
If you believe an emergency custody order is necessary or want to learn more about Louisiana’s child custody laws, set up a consultation with attorney Betsy Fischer by contacting our office in Metairie, Louisiana, at 504-688-6953.
Helping Families Throughout New Orleans With The Adoption Process
Adoption law is another area of family law that is undergoing dramatic growth. More and more people are interested in legally formalizing their relationships for a number of reasons, not the least of which are health care, education and inheritance. Our firm is well-equipped to help families with all elements of the adoption process to streamline it and make it less complex and stressful for all involved. We also provide adoption services for LGBT families.
Work With A Caring, Compassionate And Adaptive Family Law Firm
We understand that family law issues can be incredibly harrowing, stressful and challenging. That’s why Betsy and the rest of our team are here to provide you with the professional guidance and support you need. We are committed to finding workable compromises and solutions to your most difficult family issues. However, we also understand that not every dispute can be resolved easily. If necessary, we can quickly transition from negotiators to litigators who will fight relentlessly for your interests in family law court.
Serving New Orleans, Metairie And Surrounding Parishes – Contact Us Today
To discuss your matter with an experienced attorney serving Metairie and all surrounding areas, please call our firm at 504-688-6953. You can also make an appointment for an entirely confidential initial consultation at a reduced rate with attorney Betsy Fischer by contacting the firm online.