Divorcing couples with children are required to settle more legal matters during their divorce. They must determine arrangements for their child’s future, including the matter of child custody. When custody is established, it can settle the physical and legal custody of a child. The parent who is given physical custody of their child is the custodial parent.
Responsibilities of a Custodial Parent
When a parent is chosen as a child’s custodial parent, it comes with plenty of important duties. A custodial parent is the person with whom the child lives and spends the majority of their time. This requires them to provide the child with a stable upbringing. This can be done with a home, clothes, food, an education, and more.
How are Custody Arrangements Made?
When parents go through a divorce, it can change the lives of their children. This is why the issue is handled with great care. There are some cases in which parents turn to a judge to determine custody arrangements for them. When this happens, judges are required by law to rule in the best interest of the child. To determine what is best for them, they will consider several factors relating to the needs of the child and the family’s situation. With this information, the court makes a decision that places the child in an environment that is best for them.
What is Legal Custody?
Legal custody is in regards to a different aspect of a child’s life. While physical custody determines a custodial parent, legal custody establishes the influence a parent can have in their child’s life. By obtaining legal custody, the parent can have a say in making important decisions for their child throughout their life. This can include education, healthcare, religion, and more. A parent can be awarded legal custody even if they do not have physical custody of their child.
Can Custody Arrangements Change?
Judges make decisions about custody based upon the present circumstances of the family. However, they are not able to predict the future and family situations can change as life goes on. Sometimes, a family may face new circumstances that no longer fit their custody agreement. When this happens, modifications can be made. This allows the court to modify a custody arrangement to suit a family’s new situation. For example, if one parent does not abide by the custody agreement set by the court, the other parent can petition for a modification.
Contact our Firm
The Law Office of Peter L. Jameson, PLLC is an experienced divorce and family law firm located in New City, NY. It is essential to retain effective legal guidance during such pivotal times in life. Contact our firm today to discuss your legal matter and get the quality legal representation you deserve.
