Sharing joint child custody isn’t always easy, especially when you need to work and agree with someone that you might find it difficult to do so. When parents get divorced, their decree will specify with whom the divorcing couple’s children will live with and visitation for the other. Often, parents work out these arrangements on their own or with the assistance of their attorneys. There are times they might not be able to reach a decision on who will have custody of their child and the court will step in and help makes custody and joint custody decisions based on the child’s best interests. Carey Law Firm can help make these situations go smoothly for both the parents and children.
Understanding The Different Types of Custody
- Sole Custody – It is possible for one parent to have either sole legal custody or sole physical custody of a child. Courts won’t hesitate to award sole physical custody to one parent if the other parent is deemed unfit due to charges of child abuse, neglect or drug dependency.
- Physical Custody – This means a parent has the right for their child to live with him or her. Joint physical custody works best if both parents live close to each other, resulting in less stress for the children and the ability to maintain a more normal routine.
- Legal Custody – Parent has the right and obligation to make decisions about a child’s upbringing. A parent with legal custody will make decisions about the child’s schooling, religion, medical care, etc. Many states regularly award joint legal custody in court, meaning the decision making is shared by both parents.
- Joint Custody (or Joint Child Custody) – Parents will figure out arrangements according to their work schedule, living situation and the children’s needs. If the parents cannot agree on a schedule, the court will impose an arrangement for joint child custody. A common outcome might be for children to split weeks between each parent’s households, alternate holidays or weekends.
Pros And Cons of Joint Custody
Joint child custody certainly has the advantages of assuring the children will have both parents in their lives. Knowing parents will be around for everyday life activities is a great advantage for them. However, some disadvantages would be maintaining two homes, if one parent is non-cooperative having negative effects on the child and the moving around between parents’ homes the children must do.
An Understanding Family Law Attorney That Can Help
A family law attorney can help represent your rights in joint child custody cases. Contact Carey Law Firm, LLC today (816) 246-9445 in the Lee’s Summit and Kansas City area to work with an attorney you can trust. Feel free to Contact Us online with any questions or concerns you may have.