Understanding child custody can be a complex process but it can be one of the most important considerations parents are looking at, and may be worried about, going into a divorce. Knowing what the different types of child custody arrangements are, and how they can impact the divorcing couple and their family, can be crucial.
Divorce can be full of many challenges but the family law process provides resources to help divorcing couples work those challenges out and parents are invited to reach a child custody agreement that is in the best interests of their children and works best for their family. There are two different types of child custody that will need to be worked out either by the divorcing couple of with the aid of the family law court. The two types of child custody are legal custody and physical custody.
Legal custody refers to which parent will have the right and responsibility to make important legal decisions for the child. Physical custody refers to which parent the child will primarily live with, while the other parent will usually enjoy visitation of the child. A co-parenting agreement will lay out the details of the child custody arrangement. Both types of child custody can be shared or sole but it is important to keep in mind that shared legal custody and shared physical custody are preferred whenever possible and in the best interests of the child.
Child custody decisions are governed by what is in the best interests of the child which is determined by looking at a number of different factors. The family law process provides help guiding families through the challenges they face during divorce, including child custody concerns, which is why they should be familiar with what those resources are.