Contested child custody proceedings. These proceedings are to determine which parent or other party is the most appropriate party to have the custody of a minor child. Often such proceedings involve testimony of psychologists, teachers, counselors, and medical providers. Such proceedings can involve multiple hearings and numerous hours of litigation. We view the use of the courtroom in such cases as the very last option. We often employ the services of an ad litem for the child, or request the parties participate in mediation in an attempt to resolve these issues more amicably in order to preserve the post divorce/relationship for the best interests of the child. Generally, the noncustodial parent will be granted visitation with the child that will involve every other weekend, holiday, and summer visitation, but most importantly, it can be whatever the parties are able to agree to amongst themselves, which benefits the child. (insert Suggested Visitation Schedule of Benton County) Also, the noncustodial parent will generally, be required to pay child support to the custodial parent (the parent who has the child throughout the school week, every other weekend, holiday and summer time when not in the custody of the other parent) in accordance with his/her income as set out in the Arkansas Family Support Chart (link child support chart).