When it comes to child custody arrangements, there are many different options. Here are some of the most common:
Sole custody – this is a type of custody where one parent is awarded complete legal and physical responsibility for a child.
It typically means that the child resides with the custodial parent most of the time and the non-custodial parent is granted visitation rights.
Sole custody
In the US, custody can be shared (known as joint custody) or awarded to just one parent (known as sole custody). This means that the children split their time 50/50 between the parents, and both parents have the authority to make major decisions about their child’s health, education and religious upbringing.
However, there are some cases in which sole custody is necessary. These include situations in which the parents have substance abuse issues or other problems that prevent them from having a good relationship with their children.
In these situations, the judge may award sole physical custody to one parent and a limited amount of visitation to the other. These visitations are typically supervised, and they are only granted to the non-custodial parent in very specific circumstances. These include situations in which one parent is deemed unfit or incapable of caring for the child and making decisions on their behalf, such as due to drug addiction or domestic violence.
Joint custody
The most common custody arrangement in the US is joint custody, which is also called shared custody. It involves both legal custody and physical custody, with each parent sharing responsibility for making major decisions on behalf of the child.
Joint custody is the preferred type of custody, as it provides a healthy environment for children to grow up in. However, it can have a number of drawbacks for some families, especially when a divorce is not handled well.
Ultimately, what is most important is that the parents have a good relationship and can work together to make decisions for their child. If this is not possible, joint custody may not be the best choice.
In a joint physical custody arrangement, the child lives with each parent for an equal amount of time. Alternatively, the court can grant sole physical custody, where the child lives with one parent more than 50% of the time.
Shared custody
Shared custody is the most common type of child custody in the US. It allows both parents to have physical custody of the children and gives them joint decision-making responsibilities over issues such as health, education, welfare and religion.
However, this arrangement requires that both parents agree to the plan. It also requires that they communicate well and work together for the children’s best interests.
While shared physical custody has been shown to lead to healthier, happier outcomes for children, there are some factors that might prevent a parent from getting this type of custody.
A few of these include incarceration or incapacity, relocation, and death or serious injury. Additionally, if one parent has a history of abuse or neglect against the children, the court may not give that person shared custody.
Visitation rights
The most common custody arrangement in the US is joint legal and sole physical custody, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities for their children. This can be a great way to build a positive relationship with your child and reduce the stress of a divorce.
In nearly every state, courts recognize that it’s in a child’s best interest to have a continuing relationship with both parents. If a noncustodial parent has a history of abuse or neglect, they may be required to spend time with their child under supervision.
All 50 states currently have some form of a “grandparent visitation statute,” allowing grandparents–and sometimes foster parents or stepparents–to seek court orders to see their grandchildren. Some states restrict grandparent visitation if the child’s parents are divorced or deceased, while other laws allow them to seek visits regardless of the status of the child’s parents.
