The divorce process can bring uncertainty to a family and divorcing couples may be understandably concerned about child custody and how the divorce process will impact their children. Fortunately, the family law process provides resources to help divorcing couples resolve their child custody concerns and the more that divorcing couples are familiar with that process, the more they will know what to expect from it.
Child custody decisions are always based on what is in the best interests of the child. A host of factors will be used to determine what is in the best interests of the child. Factors that are considered include the child’s involvement in school and community, their wishes and any abuse or neglect. Whether the family law court is making the child custody determination, or the divorcing couple is agreeing to a child custody arrangement, the guiding focus of the child custody process is always what is in the best interests of the child.
There are different types of custody and different child custody arrangements it is important for divorcing couples to be familiar with. Divorcing couples will need to resolve both legal and physical custody of their children. Legal custody refers to who makes important decisions for the child. Physical custody refers to who the child primarily resides with. Both types of custody can be joint, or shared, or sole. If only one parent enjoys physical custody, there will like be a visitation arrangement with the other parent unless a safety concern or other concern prevents it.
Working out a parenting agreement and child custody arrangement is of tremendous significance to most divorcing parents which is why the family law process provides many resources to help guide them through it. The greater familiarly the parents have with the process, the better position they are in to develop a child custody arrangement that is in the best interests of the child and is best for the family as a whole.