Relationships are not easy and there are times when it is simply in everyone’s best interest for a couple to separate. This may mean a divorce if the couple is married. There are many things that must be worked out during a divorce proceeding, but there is perhaps nothing more complicated and emotional than issues surrounding any minor children a couple has.
We have discussed the aspects of child custody before. Today, we want to delve into some of what psychologist Robert E. Emery has to say about the issue. There are pros and cons to the different types of custody. If you need a Salt Lake City child custody attorney, you can count on Emy A. Cordano to be by your side, fighting to ensure you are treated fairly.
Review Of Custody
We want to do a quick review of the different types of custody:
- Physical custody deals with where the child will reside.
- Legal custody deals with who gets to make the big decisions regarding the child’s welfare (schools, medical, etc.).
For both physical and legal custody, parents can be awarded joint or sole custody, but it does not have to be the same for both. You will find cases in which both parents have legal custody but only one has physical custody. You will also find cases the other way around.
There are many factors that go into custody settlements. This can include:
- Income levels of the parents
- Living arrangements
- Job requirements (travel, hours, etc.)
- Criminal history
- Substance abuse by parents
- And more
Is Joint Custody Always Best?
Barring one parent being unfit, Dr. Emery thinks that joint legal custody is the best route. However, he says it really depends on the situation when it comes to joint physical custody. He says that joint physical custody works only if the two parents cooperate with each other enough so that the child is not affected by squabbling. When the two parents keep to their part of the arrangements and do not fight about it, Emery says this is the best possible outcome for the child.
For disputing parents, joint physical custody can be detrimental to the child. This will inevitably lead to the two parents ending up back in court while the child feels trapped in the middle.
Everyone has a different custody situation, so it is always best to speak with an attorney about your particular case.
What We Can Do To Help
Just because you are going through a divorce does not mean you have to handle all of the issues on your own. Divorces are complex, so let Emy A. Cordano stand by your side through the process. She is a skilled and experienced divorce attorney who will vigorously defend your rights during a divorce proceeding, especially when it comes to issues dealing with your children. Together, you can make sure everyone’s best interests are looked after. When you need a Salt Lake City child custody attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or call us at (801) 901-8159 for a legal consultation.