Going through a divorce or even a separation can turn your whole life upside down. If kids are involved, it can make the process more difficult. You have to factor in the needs and what is in your kids’ best interests. Here are some crucial things that you should consider when it comes to child custody cases.
Full versus Split Custody
You may have heard the terms of full custody and split custody thrown around. How this is determined tends to be based on how involved each parent is with the child. For example, some parents decide that it’s in their child’s best interest to live with only one parent. This decision may be one that’s reached by both parents or something that goes to court to be determined.
Factors to Consider
No matter the type of custody that is assigned, visitation rights are generally provided to the other parent. In some cases of possible child endangerment, a judge may determine that visitation occurs under supervision or not at all. The financial means, health, and home environment are also factors that play a part when it comes to deciding child custody cases even if the parents aren’t married.
Child Support
Child support is more likely to be dictated in sole custody cases. This means that the other parent is still financially responsible for the child even though they may or may not be involved. Look into a law firm like Kelm & Reuter, P.A. if you require assistance with this particular aspect of your child custody dispute. A lawyer will be able to prepare paperwork in order to argue your case for obtaining child support payments.
Age Plays a Part
The age of your children will be another factor in your custody case. Older children will often be allowed to help in determining which parent is best suited. There are cases in which custody was reevaluateddue to the needs and desires of the kids. In most cases, this can be worked out amicably even after the resolution of the divorce. There are instances in which you may have to appear before a judge to help you with your custody issues.
Emotions tend to run high when there are children involved during the dissolution of a relationship. Your case may not be as clear cut as you had hoped, especially in instances when child custody comes up after the fact. Get help with it so that you’re doing what’s right.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
