Important Facts About Joint Custody

joint custody, also known as joint guardianship, is a situation in which parents are legally allowed to participate in decisions regarding their child. This may include, but is not limited to, healthcare, education, and religious choice. Joint custody may apply if parents are separated, divorced, or no longer living under the same roof. In this article

• Types of Joint Custody
• Pros and Cons of Joint Custody
• Joint Custody Agreements
• Factors to Consider When Obtaining Joint Custody

types of Joint Custody

It should be noted that legal custody is not the same as physical custody. This means that parents may share legal custody of their child, but not physical custody. In fact, joint custody can be classified as follows:

• Joint Legal Custody
• Joint Physical Custody (the child/children spend a significant amount of time with each parent)
• Joint Legal & Physical Custody

Therefore, when a court orders joint legal custody, it does not automatically mean they will grant joint physical custody. Parents can also have both joint legal and physical custody of a child.

pros and Cons of Joint Custody

There are advantages and disadvantages associated with joint custody. Some of the advantages include:

• Children typically benefit when their parents have a good relationship, when they work closely together and discuss any disagreements in a healthy manner.
• Joint custody ensures consistent interaction and involvement from both parents.
• Joint custody requires parents to communicate regularly, improving their bond.
• Parents learn to co-parent effectively. Joint custody helps ease the pain of parenting for each parent.
• Through trials and tribulations, parents” shared input becomes valuable, especially when making important decisions about the child”s well-being.
• However, the disadvantages of joint custody include:

Disagreements between parents can lead to unhealthy co-parenting and negatively impact the child.

• Without a consistent parenting method, parents may find it difficult to unite when it comes to making key decisions for the child.
• There are times when consulting with the other parent before making a decision seems impractical.
• A child or children will have to be moved between homes.
• Having different homes for a child or children can be costly.
• Many parents claim that the system can be manipulated. An example of this is when one parent complains that the other must give in to their wishes due to shared custody.
• Joint Custody Agreements

joint Custody Agreements

Alternating months or years

• Six-month periods
• Spending weekdays with one parent and weekends and holidays with the other parent
• In some cases, an arrangement exists in which the parents alternate entering and leaving the home, while the child remains in the home. The parent without time off lives in a separate residence. This is called “nesting” or “bird”s nest protection.”

Factors to Consider When Obtaining Joint Custody

factors to Consider When Obtaining Joint Custody

Best Interests of the Child — The child”s best interests are the highest priority in any custody action. Parents must understand how joint custody will impact their child”s well-being.

• Communication — The best approach is to try to negotiate custody arrangements with one parent. Communication is key to effective co-parenting and also helps the child through the transition.
• Legal Services — An attorney plays a vital role in helping parents obtain joint custody. Obtaining an attorney is mandatory. According to state guidelines, some parents are entitled to a court-appointed attorney. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the attorney and ask any questions about any issues they are unclear about. Appropriate Dressing — While seemingly unimportant, dressing appropriately for court hearings can impact a parent”s image.
• No matter what you or your ex-spouse does to obtain joint custody, always keep your child”s well-being in mind.
• Joint Custody

Important Facts About Joint Custody