Divorcing parents have two ways to settle child custody issues. Basically, they can collaboratively settle the matter or let the courts decide. Judges base custody rulings on the best interests of the child. This means decisions are made that keep children happy, healthy, and safe.
The Rule Of Law
Attorneys who practice Child Custody Law in Lee’s Summit MO must explain the process to clients. Judges use several factors to decide what’s best for minor children. First, judges want to hear from the children if they are old enough. Further, the sex and age of the children may come into play. Twenty years ago, society thought that young children needed to be with the mother. That’s no longer the case, as many fathers are parenting solo. Today, the judge may base the decision on who is better able to provide a stable home.
Making The Decision Together
Child Custody Law in Lee’s Summit MO permits several forms of custody. Many parents want to make the decision together. Joint custody is the norm, and parents can have joint legal custody or joint physical custody. Joint legal custody means the child lives with one parent and the other has a say in decision-making. Parents usually split summer vacation and holidays equally.
On the other hand, joint physical custody arrangements call for the child to live with both parents. For instance, the parents may alternate custody every two weeks. This works well if the parents live near each other so the child attends one school. “The bird’s nest” arrangement is a new form of joint physical custody. The children stay in the marital residence and the parents move in and out. Experts say this custody arrangement works well for very young children. Most importantly, joint custody allows the child to maintain a good relationship with both parents.
Sole Custody
Inevitably, the judge may award sole custody to one parent. Typically, this can happen when a parent has a drug or alcohol problem. Further, judges may award sole custody to one parent if the other is in a new relationship. In any event, non-custodial parents may request a custody modification if circumstances change. For more information, Visit the website of a child custody attorney. You can also visit them on Google My Business.
