The Different Parts of Child Custody
There is a lot that goes into determining child custody arrangements for a child. Child custody is split up into four parts which are physical custody, sole custody, joint custody, and legal custody. A judge will determine which parent will be allotted each of these types of custody. Here are a few things you should know about each type of child custody.
Physical Custody: A judge will determine who gets physical custody of a child, so it is important to have a family attorney help you develop a case. Depending on the child’s age, the judge may allow the child to voice how they feel about living with each parent. Other things that will be considered are the day-to-day routine the child has and the amount of room the parent has for the child in their home.
Sole Custody: It is rare for a judge to grant one parent sole custody of their child. But if you believe you are in a situation where you deserve sole custody of your child for their safety, make sure you hire a family attorney to work with you. If your ex-partner is involved in illegal activity, abusing drugs or alcohol, has a past of physical or verbal abuse, or struggles with mental health issues then they are unfit to care for a child. Having a family attorney will help you gather evidence to obtain sole custody of your child.
Joint Custody: Joint custody is when each parent gets the child part-time. This can be done in a variety of ways such as one parent has the child Monday-Friday, and the other parent has the child on weekends, or each parent gets the child half the week, and weekends are on a rotation. As a parent, you will want to go to court with a family attorney to help you express exactly why you should have your child and when. If before your divorce you were the primary caregiver, that can help build a case about why your child should stay with you during the week.
Legal Custody: Legal custody involves each parent’s right to make legal decisions for their child concerning their health, education, and religious upbringing. Sometimes there is one parent who is not fit to give proper care to a child or make sound decisions for a child due to their lifestyle or disinterest in their child’s life.
Contact Our Family Lawyer Today!
Zawada Family Law is a family lawyer serving the Worcester, MA area. We specialize in all areas of family law including child custody. Child custody is a contentious topic that can result in fierce battles between parents. The legal process involving custody can be difficult to understand for parents, but our attorneys are here to help. We will guide you through all proceedings and ensure you understand everything from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation!