COVINGTON, LA / ACCESS Newswire / July 3, 2025 / As family dynamics shift and domestic crises escalate in the wake of social and economic stressors, emergency custody orders have emerged as one of the most critical legal tools for protecting children in Louisiana. Attorney Michael Bradley, a prominent family law attorney with nearly 20 years of courtroom experience, is urging parents and guardians to understand the seriousness and sensitivity of these urgent legal actions.

Emergency custody orders, often issued when a child is believed to be in immediate danger, are not just routine filings, they are life-altering interventions that require precision, strong evidence, and swift legal action. Bradley, who has offices in Covington and Franklinton and serves families across southeastern Louisiana, has seen a notable uptick in emergency custody requests in recent months. He believes the trend reflects both growing public awareness and increasing need.

"When a child is facing imminent harm, whether due to abuse, neglect, or exposure to dangerous environments, the legal system must respond immediately," Bradley said. "But emergency custody isn't just about speed. It's about making sure the court sees the full picture, backed by clear, compelling evidence. This is where skilled legal representation becomes essential."

Michael Bradley's family law practice has handled numerous high-stakes custody disputes, including emergency motions filed outside regular court hours. His approach combines urgent action with careful documentation, often coordinating with investigators, medical professionals, and child advocates to ensure the court receives credible information upon which to base decisions.

Emergency custody orders are typically sought when one parent or guardian believes the child is in danger and that regular custody proceedings would take too long to offer adequate protection. Common scenarios include situations involving drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, mental health crises, or criminal activity occurring in the home.

Yet despite the severity of these cases, the legal threshold for emergency relief is high. Courts require concrete proof of danger, and the process can be daunting for individuals trying to navigate it alone. Bradley emphasizes that while the law provides a path for urgent intervention, misuse or misrepresentation in emergency custody petitions can have lasting consequences.

"These orders are not meant to be used as leverage in contentious divorces or custody battles," Bradley noted. "They exist solely to protect children from real and present danger. Misusing them damages credibility, and worse, it can delay justice for families who genuinely need it."

Michael Bradley's firm works closely with clients to assess whether an emergency order is warranted and helps them understand what evidence the court will require. If an emergency order is granted, it typically leads to a temporary custody arrangement pending a full hearing, which is usually scheduled within a few days to weeks.

One of Bradley's key messages to Louisiana families is this: if you believe your child is in immediate danger, do not wait. But also, do not go it alone.

"In these moments, every decision matters. A misstep in the paperwork, a poorly presented affidavit, or a failure to follow procedure can be the difference between a judge granting or denying the motion," he said. "I'm here to make sure families get it right the first time."

Beyond his legal acumen, Attorney Michael Bradley's reputation as a client-first advocate has earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of St. Tammany's Favorite Attorneys and membership in prestigious national trial lawyer organizations. His blend of compassion and courtroom prowess makes him a trusted guide during some of the most emotionally charged cases in family law.

As the demand for emergency custody relief grows, Bradley is calling for more public education about the process and for continued reform to ensure courts remain accessible, especially for vulnerable families in crisis.

"This isn't just legal work, it's life-saving work," he said. "Every child deserves to be safe. And every parent trying to protect that child deserves strong, clear legal support."

About Michael Bradley
Michael Bradley is a veteran Louisiana attorney with nearly two decades of legal experience, focusing in family law, criminal defense, personal injury, and parole advocacy. Known for his strategic insight and relentless pursuit of justice, he operates law offices in Covington and Franklinton. Bradley's career spans from public defense to private practice, where he has become a trusted figure for individuals navigating complex legal challenges across the state.

Attorney Michael Bradley:
Email: mbradley@baslawgroup.com

SOURCE: Michael Bradley