Child custody is one of the most contentious aspects of any divorce case involving children. It is particularly difficult for parents with minor children. The idea of not being able to spend enough time with your children can be traumatizing. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many options out there for parents seeking custody. A Salt Lake City child custody attorney can explain your options and help you avoid the common divorce pitfalls.
Physical Custody
This the most popular type of child custody and the ideal scenario. It encourages a more stable environment to raise your children. Also, both parents can be more involved in their children’s lives. In most cases, physical custody is awarded when parents don’t live too far from each other. When parents live too far apart, it can be too stressful for the children to switch between homes. Children need time to adjust to the new schedule. There is also sole physical custody. This is when the child lives with one parent. However, the judge can limit the other parent’s visitation.
Legal Custody
When a parent is awarded legal custody, he or she is legally entitled to make important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religion, and so on. Parents can also have joint legal custody, which means they make these important decisions together. There are times when one parent may take away the other parent’s rights. If this is you, you should contact a Salt Lake City child custody attorney to handle your situation. You may be able to get sole legal custody, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. Some parents may try to make it difficult for the parent to make major decisions. However, some family courts may not grant sole legal custody because this type of behavior doesn’t meet the child’s best interest standard.
Sole Custody
These cases generally involve parents with irresponsible behavior such as drugs and alcohol abuse. Also, there are times when a parent decides to remarry or live with a new partner yet the new spouse is an unfit parent. In such cases, the parent more equipped to raise a child will be awarded sole child custody. If you are involved in a contentious divorce, it is important that you don’t use your children to hurt your ex. Remember that even when sole custody is granted, your former spouse may have some visitation rights.
Joint Custody
When parents don’t live together and share responsibilities in raising their children, this arrangement is generally categorized as joint custody. Joint custody can be classified as joint physical custody, joint legal custody, or both. Joint custody requires a parenting agreement, based on the parent’s availability and schedule. While joint custody can be very advantageous, it also has its disadvantages.
Child custody cases can be complex requiring the intervention of a qualified Salt Lake City child custody attorney. If you have questions about the types of child custody available for your particular circumstances, get your initial case review from family law attorneyEmy A. Cordano.