Law

Understanding Child Custody Laws and What They Mean for Parents

When parents break up or get divorced, child custody rules aid determine what occurs to their kids. These guidelines decide who the kid will stay with and how the parents will share their responsibilities. To make choices that are great for their child, dad and mom want to understand what their rights and obligations are below the regulation. If you’re having trouble with custody, it can benefit you to talk to an expert like the law office of eaton family law group.

Different Types of Child Custody

There are two main types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody.

  • Legal custody is having the control to decide what is best for the child’s wellbeing, education, and security.
  • Physical custody is where the child lives and with whom.

You can have sole or joint custody. One parent is totally responsible in single custody. Both parents are responsible for their kids when they have joint custody. When probable, courts usually choose joint agreements because they are best for the child.

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Factors That Influence Custody Decisions

When making decisions on custody, courts look at a number of things. The objective is always to do what’s best for the youngster. Some of these factors could be:

  • The child’s age and psychological requirements
  • The ability of each parent to take care of their child
  • The child’s bond with each parent
  • Any past abuse or neglect

Judges also look at how stable each parent’s home is and how willing they are to work together. The lawyers at the law office of eaton family law group typically tell parents to work on making a strong case that shows how much they care about their child’s health and happiness.

Shared Parenting and Visitation Rights

The second parent normally has visitation rights, even if one parent has sole custody. The courts want to make sure that the child has a good relationship with both parents.

  • Scheduled visits: Certain days and times
  • Reasonable visitation: more flexible and agreed upon by both parents
  • Supervised visitation: When safety is an issue, supervised visiting is required.

Keeping schedules and communication the same helps everyone, especially the child.

Modifying Custody Arrangements

Custody orders don’t usually last forever. Either parent can ask for a change if things change a lot. Some common explanations are

  • A parent moves.
  • The child’s needs alter.
  • One parent doesn’t do what the court says.

In order to change an order, the parent must prove how the change is in the child’s best interest. Getting legal aid may make sure that everything goes well and fast.