8 Essential Facts About Child Custody
Below are the essential facts that all separating parents should know when considering child custody arrangements.
09/02/2023
For parents who are separating, the most
important and difficult decisions involve their
children. When two parents cannot agree on how
to provide for their child’s best interest, they
may need to go through the court system.
This process can be long and stressful, so
it is important to understand your rights when
you need to hire a child custody lawyer.
Here are the essential facts that all
separating parents should know when considering
child custody arrangements.
1. Both Parents Have Rights
In the eyes of the law, both parents have
equal rights when it comes to making decisions
about their children’s education, health care,
and other needs.
The court will not
favor one parent over another in a custody
dispute unless there is evidence of abuse or
neglect.
2. Visitation is Important
Even if one parent has primary physical
custody of a child, that does not mean that the
non-custodial parent must be denied visitation
rights.
Visitation schedules should be
agreed upon by both parties or determined by the
court based on what is in the best interest of
the child.
3. Mediation Can Help
If you are unable to reach an agreement with
your former partner, mediation can help you come
up with an arrangement that works for everyone
involved.
A mediator will work with both
parties to come up with solutions that meet
everyone’s needs and respect each person’s
rights as a parent.
4. Custody Agreements Can Be Modified
If either party believes that circumstances
have changed since the original agreement was
made, the custody lawyer can request a
modification from the court.
Examples
include changes in employment status or
relocation due to job opportunities or family
commitments.
5. Child Support is Separate from Custody
Although related, custodial arrangements do
not determine how much money must be paid in
child support payments each month.
That
is determined separately by state guidelines
based on the income levels of both parents and
other relevant factors.
6. Grandparents Have Rights Too
In some states, grandparents may also petition for visitation rights if they believe it is in their grandchild's best interests or if there is a history of neglect or abuse by either party against their grandchildren.
7. Relocation Can Be Complicated
If one party wants to relocate outside of state lines with their children, this requires permission from both parties or permission from a judge before relocating can occur legally.
8. Don't Rely on Legal Advice from Friends or Family
Every situation is different, so don't rely on advice from friends who have gone through similar situations before, as laws vary from state to state and even county to county regarding matters such as these.
Conclusion
Understanding your rights when it comes time
for making decisions about your children's
future after separation can make all the
difference between success and failure during
this difficult time period for families
involved.
Knowing these essential facts
regarding
child custody can help you prepare
yourself mentally and emotionally while staying
organized throughout this process so that you
know what options are available to you during
this trying time period too.