Child custody is often a heated topic during a divorce between two parents. Parents may be able to avoid serious conflict by understanding how child custody works. When parents have a better understanding of child custody, they may be able to discuss important matters with efficiency and clarity.
Here are a few important child custody matters to understand:
1. Which parent has a right to decide how their child is raised
Parents often want to raise their children the way they believe to be best. But, parents may not always agree as to what that means or looks like. In a divorce, legal custody can determine whether a parent can make important decisions for their children.
Parents can share legal custody, which often means they will need to discuss their values or wishes for their children. However, one parent could also gain sole legal custody and be mainly responsible for deciding what is best for their children.
2. Where a child will live
Typically, parents will live in separate homes after a divorce. When negotiating child custody, parents will likely need to discuss which house their children will live in.
Parents can share physical custody. Joint physical custody can be arranged with a schedule so each parent has specific days or weeks when they are responsible for their children. However, a parent with sole custody may have their children live with them all of the time.
When going through a divorce, parents can reach out for legal help to learn more about their custody options.