When you’re a parent, you are committed to your child’s well-being. You want to be there for them in any way you possibly can. This can be difficult while in the midst of a divorce. Custody battles can be a tricky process and if you’re not sure what to expect, the team at Simon Law Group, PLLC, can help.
What Is Custody?
During a divorce that involves children, legal custody, now known as legal decision making, is the right to make important decisions for a minor child, must be decided upon. There are multiple types of custody that can be awarded to a parent.
- Sole Legal Decision Making – When a parent is awarded sole legal decision making of their child, they have full decision making authority for things such as medical, schooling, etc. The amount of parenting will vary depending upon what is in the child’s best interest. One parent may have final decison making on one issue.
- Joint Legal Decision Making – Shared or joint legal decsion making is an arrangement where both parents share the decision-making authority and care of their child. This arrangement isn’t always set up to be 50-50 and can be difficult if the parents struggle to get along.
- Physical Custody – Physical custody gives a parent the right to have a child live with them. In some states, a parent who has sole physical custody has the right to move away with their child. If the noncustodial parent wishes to prevent the move from happening, they must go to court to prove that the move could be harmful to the child.
- Visitation – When a parent is awarded visitation, they are able to spend time with their child but do not have the authority to make any decisions for their child. The noncustodial parent will receive a visitation schedule for their child.
The Dos and Don’ts of Fighting for Custody
Divorce can be one of the most frustrating and emotional processes you can face. It is something that completely changes your life for good and bad. If you’re currently facing a custody battle with your ex over your child, you need to be prepared to face all of those emotions.
One of the most crucial things you can do to make things go as smoothly as possible is to show that you are willing to work with your ex. No matter what your feelings for them are, they are also a parent to your child and a large part of their life. You need to show that you can cooperate with them.
If you are given visitation privileges with your children during the custody process, it’s important that you arrive on time and do not cancel any of the visits. If you are tardy or miss any visits, this can reflect negatively on you and affect your chances of custody.
It’s also important to come prepared with a custody lawyer you trust. At Simon Law Group, PLLC, we know how important your child’s custody matters are. We have over 35 years of trial experience and are ready to help you with your custody battle. Contact us today to learn more.
