Parents who are dealing with child custody matters must understand the different points that often come up in these cases. A basic understanding gives you the basis to determine how you are going to address various decisions that come up.
One thing you should understand is that child custody orders are complex. They encompass orders for physical custody and legal custody. These are different types of custody that impact way a child is raised.
Physical custody has to do with who has the child living with them. This can be an event split between the parents or one parent might have the child more than the other parent. Sole physical custody is also possible. Typically, physical custody has an impact on who is going to pay child support since this is based on who has the child more.
Legal custody covers who makes choices for the child. There are several arrangements that you might have. Several categories of the child’s life must be covered here. You have to decide who is going to make medical decisions for the child. You also have to think about faith and education decisions.
It is imperative that you think about the entire child custody agreement. This document governs everything about how you raise your child for the remainder of his or her childhood.
As you work through the child custody case, think carefully about what decisions are being made. While it is possible to have the order modified later, you will need to show that there is a reason for the modification. This might prove to be challenging so try to work things out the way they need to be.
Source: FindLaw, “More Child Custody and Visitation FAQs,” accessed March 17, 2017