What do courts look at when deciding custody?

What do courts look at when deciding custody?

Family Law, Best interests – Primary considerations for child custody: the benefit to the child of having a meaningful relationship with both of the child’s parents; and. the need to protect the child from physical or psychological harm from being subjected to, or exposed to, abuse, neglect or family violence.

How do I get a 60/40 custody schedule?

Another 60/40 option is for one parent to have the child Wednesday afternoon to Saturday early afternoon and the other parent to have the child Saturday early afternoon to Wednesday afternoon. This means each parent has both week days and weekends to spend with the child.

How many overnights are in 365 days?

Instead, only Friday and Saturday nights from the every other weekend schedule count. Thus, take 52 overnights and divide by 365 days in the year.

What do you need to know about joint legal custody?

Understanding Joint Legal Custody. Joint legal custody means that both parents have the legal authority to make major decisions for the child. These include decisions regarding education, religion, and health care. Parents should be aware, too, that legal custody is separate from physical custody.

When is sole legal custody a good option?

Sole legal custody is a good option if there are issues that make one parent unfit or unavailable to make sound decisions for the kids. But pursuing sole legal custody without a sound reason will likely be denied in family court. Kids benefit tremendously from having different perspectives and approaches in their lives.

What are the different types of legal custody?

Legal custody options include: Sole Legal Custody: The parent who has sole legal custody is the only person who has the legal authority to make major decisions on behalf of the child. These include decisions regarding education, religion, and healthcare.

What happens if you can’t agree on a custody agreement?

After the judge signs your agreement, file it with the court clerk. Click for more information on writing up a custody and visitation agreement or parenting plan. If you cannot agree, the judge will send you to mediation and a mediator from Family Court Services or another court-related program will help you.