Legal Child Custody
When it comes to divorce, parents with legal child custody are obligated to and responsible for making fundamental decisions about the child’s health and welfare. Parents with sole child custody make decisions about the child’s education, religion and medical care alone, while parents who share joint legal custody are required to talk to each other before making decisions.
In many states, there's a presumption that favors awarding parents joint child custody, unless the divorce court determines that joint child custody would not be in the best interest of the child. Child custody terms are typically stated in the child custody court order. If a parent interferes with the other parent’s rights, he or she may be held in contempt of court.
Discuss Legal Child Custody with a Divorce Lawyer
Learn how having or not having legal child custody could affect the relationship you have with your child after divorce. To connect with a divorce lawyer in your area, call 877-349-1310 or fill out a divorce case review form. Get legal divorce advice about how to handle your divorce today.
The above synopsis of child custody is by no means all-inclusive
and is not intended to provide legal advice. These laws may have
changed since our last update and there may additional laws that apply
in your situation. For the latest information on divorce laws, please
contact a local divorce lawyer in your area.
