What exactly is child custody?
You may think you know what child custody is, but there are some common misconceptions. After a divorce, or if the child’s parents were never married, custody of the child must be decided.
First of all, joint custody doesn’t mean equal custody. One parent will be the primary caregiver, who will spend the most time with the child. Secondly, sole custody doesn’t mean the other parent can’t see their child at all. They may still have visitation rights. Third, child custody doesn’t just determine who the child lives with and when. It also determines who has the right to make certain decisions involving the child.
Child custody in Chickasha can be complicated because the parents often disagree on how it should be settled. Both parents claim to want what’s best for their child, but they may have different ideas of what that is. That’s where the court steps in. They evaluate numerous factors to determine the child’s best interests and who is best equipped to care for the child.
What does child custody involve?
When you think of child custody, you may think that it determines who has the kid most of the time. While this is one factor, there are many more. Child custody covers vacations, holidays, and special occasions. It includes visitation schedules, child support, and the role of extended family.
When it comes to deciding what the child’s primary residence will be, the Grady County court considers the schedules of both parents. It’s important for the child to be in a house where they won’t be left alone suddenly or for long periods of time. They also look at the living conditions. This includes where the residence is located, what shape it’s in, and how big it is. The house where the child spends most of their time needs to meet certain quality standards.
Anytime one parent wants to take their child on a trip, they must consult with the primary caregiver parent first. Even if the trip is to visit other family members, they still need permission. For example, the mother may not want her kid visiting her ex-husband’s parents. She has the right to veto the trip.
Before making a final decision, the court will issue a temporary order. While they are deciding, they will monitor the parents’ behavior and factor it into their decision. Behavior both near and away from the child is considered.
It’s important to be on your best behavior at this time. Drug use, excessive drinking, and other reckless or illegal actions could be detrimental to your chances at getting custody. On the other hand, a demonstrated effort to do what’s best for your child, even when they’re not around, can help your chances.
What are child custody modifications?
If changes in your life have affected your child custody agreement, you can file for a modification. Changes in work, housing, and finances could warrant one. Just like with the original custody agreement, the final decision is up to the court.
Whether both parents agree on a modification will affect how long and difficult the process is. Having a current agreement doesn’t necessarily make it easy to make changes. Depending on the extent of the modifications, it could take a while to sort out.
When it comes to child custody in Chickasha, it’s important to know what to expect going in, so the process doesn’t cause undue stress. Whether you’re determining or modifying child custody, you should be patient and keep your child’s best interests at heart.