Child custody issues can arise during the worst possible times, especially when they involve disagreements between parents or even grandparents.
If you’re dealing with child custody issues, it’s important to work with fort worth child custody lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and advocate on your behalf.
Use this guide to find out everything you need to know about child custody lawyers, including what types of cases they handle, what to expect from them and more.
Types of Child Custody
There‘re two primary types of child custody: legal and physical. Legal custody grants parents right to make some important decisions when it comes to their children’s lives, like where they are going to attend the school or what religion they will practice. Physical custody determines with parent the child will live.
Sometimes, one parent will be granted both legal and physical custody, but this is not always the case. In some cases, a third party may be given full or partial custody if both parents do not have parental rights.
Parents should consult with an attorney before they agree to any type of child custody arrangement because it is important that they know what they are agreeing too. This is especially true for joint or shared physical and legal custody arrangements which can quickly become contentious in court later on down the line.
Typically means that one parent is responsible for making sure that their kids go to school, doctors’ appointments and take care of them when they’re sick. It’s up to both parents to determine how much time each spends with their kids each week.
What to Expect From a Child Custody Case?
In a child custody case, one of the most important things is determining who should have custody. The court will take into consideration factors such as:
- The child’s age and gender,
- The child’s preference, if old enough,
- Which parent has been the main caregiver for the longest period of time, and
- Who can provide better care for the child
It is possible that both parents could share joint custody. If not all the time, then maybe every other week or so. This way each parent gets a chance to be with their children without having to sacrifice their careers or personal lives too much. It is always better to take help of an attorney to understand your situation and make the right decision.