What Are The Rights & Obligations Of Parents In Child Custody Cases?

Few topics are as contentious as child custody. It is a very emotional subject that may be quite harmful to the children concerned. The most appropriate way to handle child custody issues is for both parents to be informed of the legal facts & to collaborate with the court’s judgments.

The court’s goal is to make judgments that are always in the best interests of the child and, where necessary, to ensure that the parents follow these decisions. The more helpful the parents are, the less stressful child custody arrangements will be for everyone involved, including the children.

Before litigation, the parent who currently has physical custody of the child is said to have temporary custody. It then becomes the place of the court to determine which type of custodial arrangement will be in the child’s best interest. The possible types of custodial arrangement include joint custody, sole custody, and, in the instance of more than one child, the option of split custody.

There are numerous factors that the court will consider in determining the custodial arrangement that it feels will be best for the child. However, while such factors as parental fitness, location of residences, financial qualifications, and other factors are strongly considered, in many states, a child’s own wishes and preferences are seriously considered.

Visitation arrangements are a part of the Child Custody decision. This, too, is intended to reflect what is best for the child. The family law courts have a very strong principle in visitation, in essence, that it is nearly always best for the child if they have regular contact with both parents and other family members.

It is very unlikely for the court to refuse noncustodial parent visitation privileges. Where applicable, visitation arrangements require monitoring by a third party as well as restricted locations. Since certain parents abuse custody and visitation agreements for frivolous or vindictive reasons, the court will interfere in those cases and ensure that its decision is upheld.

If you need the assistance of a reliable & experienced family law lawyer who knows the stress, problems, & what it takes to fight for your rights & privileges in family law disputes, contact us at the earliest. Look no further than the firm of Eric child custody, the finest Child Custody Attorneys Fullerton. For a consultation, call us at 1-714-916-9800.