What is child custody?

Child custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities that parents have for their children following a divorce or separation. It involves making decisions about the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and general welfare.

Types of Child Custody

There are two main types of child custody:

• Legal Custody: Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about the child's upbringing.
• Physical Custody: Physical custody refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis.

Decisions and Factors

When determining child custody arrangements, decisions are typically based on the best interests of the child. Factors such as the child's age, relationship with each parent, and stability of each parent's home environment are taken into consideration.

Types of Custody Arrangements

Common types of custody arrangements include:

• Joint Custody: Both parents share legal and/or physical custody of the child.
• Sole Custody: One parent has primary legal and/or physical custody of the child.

Co-parenting and Visitation Rights

Co-parenting involves both parents working together to make decisions for the child's well-being. Visitation rights allow the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child according to a set schedule.

Custody Evaluation and Support

In some cases, a custody evaluation may be conducted by a professional to determine the best custody arrangement for the child. Child support may also be established to ensure the child's financial needs are met.