Divorces that involve children may require more decisions to be made. Not only do divorces affect the married couple, but they also affect the children in the family. The children may have a hard time adjusting to their parents’ divorce. It can be a difficult process for younger children since they may not be getting the attention of both parents on a daily basis. Through child custody arrangements, agreements are made to decide where the child will reside and what their schedule with each parent looks like.
The custodial parent is the one who is given physical custody of the child. This parent has the responsibility of living with the child on a regular basis. This may require more of their attention and financial support. Due to this, the other parent may have to pay child support to help raise the child and provide for them since they do not see them as often. Although one parent may be given the role of custodial parent, it does not mean that the child does not get to spend time with their other parent. Each custody arrangement may be different based on the specific parents involved and the needs of that particular family.
How does legal custody work?
Custody arrangements for children include physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody grants one parent as the custodial parent. However, the other parent has the opportunity to be involved in the child’s life as well. They should fight for legal custody of their child. With legal custody, they can make important decisions for the child. These decisions can include topics relating to the child’s education, practiced religion, medical treatment and more. This will allow them to be just as involved in the child’s life even though they do not have physical custody.
Although some parents may not be given physical custody, they may be given visitation rights. The court system will usually try to give each parent time with the child for the benefit of the child. This can help build relationships with both parents and create a healthy bond with each one. However, if a parent is deemed to be unfit, they may not get time with their child as often as they would like. They may be given supervised hours where they can interact with the child. The judge deciding on the arrangement should make sure to consider all aspects of the situation to make the best choice for the child’s sake.
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