Getting on the Same Page about Child Custody
November 10, 2015
The marriage didn’t work out but parenthood is forever. When it comes time to decide on the important issues during divorce negotiations, there is nothing that should be higher priority than who has custody of the children, where they will live, who will make legal and financial decisions on their behalf and more.
The decisions you make regarding child custody, and child support, will impact your family forever. That’s why it’s important to understand your options and to hire an experienced family lawyer who has helped countless other families going through the divorce process. Jonathan D. Katz Esq. will put your children first and make sure that you understand the various types of custody and how each will impact you now and in the future. The main categories are sole custody vs. joint custody.
Sole custody is when one parent makes all the legal, financial and other decisions related to the child (including where the child will reside). The other parent is given visitation rights and adequate parenting time.
Joint custody is when both parents share custody and work together in the best interests of the child. and whether it is the right option for your family. However, under the heading of “joint custody” are joint legal custody and joint physical custody. These are not mutually exclusive. For example, you can decide that both parents will share legal custody but one will have physical custody.
Joint legal custody means one parent will have equal rights when it comes to all legal issues, including schooling and other “upbringing-related” concerns.
Joint physical custody requires the child to go back and forth between residences. Sometimes, this is feasible but other times lack of consistency can create a problem – especially for young children.
You know your children best. Working with an experienced family lawyer who will respect your opinions and guide you through the legal process is in the best interests of your entire family.
Child custody arrangements are as individual as child themselves. Contact Jonathan Katz Law today for a consultation about your personal situation.