When two parents split up, one of the most difficult things they have to deal with is figuring out custody arrangements for their children. There are a lot of factors to consider when making these arrangements, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of what will be best for your children. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind when making child custody arrangements.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
What is child custody?
Child custody is the legal term for the right to make decisions about a child’s upbringing. This includes things like where the child lives, what schools they attend, and what medical care they receive. Child custody can be shared between both parents or awarded to one parent exclusively.
What are the different types of custody?
There are three types of custody: legal, physical, and joint.
Legal custody is the right to make decisions about a child’s upbringing. This includes things like what schools they attend, what medical care they receive, and what religious instruction they receive. Parents can share legal custody, or one parent can be awarded it exclusively.
Physical custody is the right to have a child live with you. Parents can share physical custody, or one parent can be awarded it exclusively. Joint physical custody means that the child lives with both parents for an equal amount of time.
Which type of custody is awarded depends on a number of factors, including the parents’ wishes and the child’s best interests. Courts will take into account things like the parents’ ability to cooperate, the child’s age and home environment, and the distance between the parent’s homes.
What is the difference between custody and visitation?
Custody refers to the right to make decisions about a child’s upbringing. Visitation refers to the right to see a child. Parents can have joint custody without having joint visitation, or they can have joint visitation without having joint custody. It all depends on the specific arrangement that is agreed upon by both parents.
What are some things to consider when making child custody arrangements?
There are a number of things to consider when making child custody arrangements, including:
-The child’s age and stage of development
-The parent’s ability to cooperate and make decisions together
-The child’s wishes, if they are old enough to express them
-The distance between the parents’ homes
-How well the child knows and interacts with each parent
-The child’s relationship with each parent’s extended family
-The parents’ work schedules and availability
-Any history of domestic violence or child abuse
-The financial situation of both parents
Making child custody arrangements can be difficult, but it is important to remember that the most important thing is what is best for the child. If you are unsure about what is best for your child, it is always advisable to speak to a family lawyer who can help you navigate these tricky waters.
How is custody determined?
Custody is determined by a family law judge who will take into account many different factors, including the child’s age and stage of development, the parent’s ability to cooperate and make decisions together, the child’s wishes (if they are old enough to express them), and the distance between the parent’s homes. The judge will also look at any history of domestic violence or child abuse, as well as the financial situation of both parents.
What factors are considered when determining custody?
When determining child custody, a family law judge will take into account many different factors. These factors can include the child’s age and stage of development, the parent’s ability to cooperate and make decisions together, the child’s wishes (if they are old enough to express them), and the distance between the parent’s homes. The judge will also look at any history of domestic violence or child abuse, as well as the financial situation of both parents.
What if I can’t afford to pay child support?
This can be a difficult situation, but there are ways to work things out. If you can’t afford to pay your child support, you should speak to your lawyer about what options are available to you. There may be a way for you to modify your child support payments or work out a payment plan with the other parent. Whatever you do, don’t ignore your child support payments – this will only make things worse.
Conclusion
This article provides important information about child custody arrangements and what factors are taken into account when determining these decisions. We hope this article has been informative for you and that you’ll use the knowledge we’ve provided to make an informed decision about your own situation.
