Exploring Child Custody

Exploring the Different Types of Child Custody

It is hectic deciding who gets to take custody of a child or children after a separation. It can often spur into a huge and heated debate between parents arguing over who gets custodial privileges. If you’re on the verge of a divorce, it is vital to seek legal counsel from a trained family lawyer.

There are various forms of child custody available. Albeit, what should be paramount in all of this is maintaining your kid(s) best interests.

In this article, we look at the different types of child custody. You can find out what works best for you.

Physical Custody

This type of child custody grants a parent the right to have a child stay in their home. In this instance, a child physically has to reside with a parent. If the child spends time with both parents living separately, both parents may be awarded joint physical custody. This can only work out fine if both parents live considerably close to each other. This will help reduce the stress on the kids.

The parent that primarily houses the child is called the custodial parent. The other parent with visitation privileges is called the non-custodial parent.

Legal Custody

Legal custody of a child or children gives you the legal backing to make decisions about raising your child. When you have legal custody of your child, you can make decisions on their:

  • Religious leanings
  • Academic life
  • Medical care
  • Extracurricular activities and lots more.

Joint Legal Custody

In this type of arrangement, both parents have the legal responsibilities to decide about the kid’s upbringing. In this case, a custodial parent cannot exclude the other parent from the decision-making process.

The other parent can drag the custodial parent to court if the agreement isn’t honored. If you have reasons to believe that the other parent cannot make a joint decision, you should consult a family lawyer to make a case in a courtroom.

Sole Custody

In this case, one parent has both legal and physical custody of a child or children. A court gives a parent sole custody if the other parent is deemed irresponsible and unfit.

The court may also award sole physical custody but joint legal custody where the other still has a say in the child’s upbringing. The non-custodial parent could also have supervised visitation rights according to an agreement.

Joint Custody

Joint custody of a child means both parents will be actively involved with the child. This can come in various forms:

  • Joint physical custody
  • Joint legal custody
  • Joint legal and physical custody.

You need to discuss with a professional family lawyer to discuss the kind of child custody best for you.