Child Custody Laws: Resources for Parents
When parents get divorced or separate, one of the first things they will likely think about is child custody. There are a variety of ways that parents can obtain child custody, so it is important for parents to be aware of their options and understand the best way to obtain custody of their children.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Children
The first step to obtaining custody of your children is to file for legal separation in which you and your ex-spouse have joint legal custody. This type of custody gives each of you equal time with your children.
However, if you are unable to get legal separation, the other option for obtaining custody of your children is to file for legal custody. This type of custody grants the legal right to be the primary caregiver, and allows you to have the power to make decisions about your children’s care.
It is important to realize that if you are unable to obtain legal separation or legal custody, then the court will automatically assign custody to the other parent. This means that you will have little or no control over your children’s care. It is also possible that the other parent will seek to obtain child support from you.
If you are the custodial parent, it is very important to be prepared to have your child support attorney established by the court. This is because the court may not agree with your decision to not have child support paid. If your ex-spouse is the custodial parent, they may be required to pay child support to you.
If you and your ex-spouse are unable to get legal separation or legal custody, it is important to think about how you want to parent your children. If you both agree on parenting time, then you may be able to enter into an informal agreement with the other parent to work out the parenting time.
If you cannot reach an agreement with the other parent, then it is possible to file a complaint in Family Court or District Court. If you want the right to determine your children’s care, you will need to file a complaint with the court.
If you are the non-custodial parent, it is possible to file for custody or visitation with the court. If you are unable to obtain custody, it is possible to request that you have visitation with your children. If you have been separated for a long period of time, it is possible to seek modification of the custody agreement.