At Kulinsky & Associates Ltd, we know that your child’s wellbeing ranks at the top of your priorities. When you are trying to determine a living arrangement during a divorce or other situation, it is imperative to understand that you have the flexibility to put together a plan that best serves your children’s interests and preserves your relationship with them.
There are several common arrangements that parents may consider when looking at their options. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women have sole physical custody of children much more often than men, although joint custody is an increasingly popular option. It is important to note discrepancies among the different types of custody, such as the following:
- Legal custody: This refers to a parent’s legal rights to make decisions regarding the child, such as medical care and schooling.
- Physical custody: This references where the child primarily lives.
- Shared custody: Parents are allotted equal time with the child.
- Joint custody: Both parents get to spend time with the child, and both have an equal say regarding decisions about the child.
Many couples try to develop an agreement outside of a courtroom, though there are times in which legal intervention is necessary. Courts may issue a custody evaluation, and a judge may be the one who decides where your child will live.
Fortunately, the legal system allows for parents to revisit their initial agreement in order to make modifications. This can mean changing a parent’s visitation rights or moving from a sole custody arrangement into a joint custody situation.
If you are interested in learning more about your options, please visit our child custody page.
