Whether you are getting a divorce with children involved or you were never married to the other parent, going through a child custody case can sometimes be confusing. There are so many types of custody it can be difficult to figure out just what it is you want. Because of the complexities of this area of law, it is often best to use child custody attorneys in Crystal Lake, to help you with your case. However, having a brief understanding of the different types can help you as well.
Legal Custody
Legal custody is one of the main types of custody you will need to deal with. In most cases, parents will have joint legal custody, regardless of the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Legal custody refers to the ability to make decisions about the child’s life. In some cases, one parent may have the deciding vote in the event the two parents can’t agree. While both parents are responsible for the day-to-day decisions, the major decisions should be discussed if the parents have joint legal custody.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to who has physical possession of the child and when. In today’s world, more courts are moving toward equal time with both parents, if possible. However, depending on the situation, one parent may receive considerably more time than the other. If you have any concerns regarding the physical custody of your child, it is important to talk to your child custody attorneys in Crystal Lake about it so they can fight for what your child deserves.
Visitation
When one parent has considerably less time than the other, this is often referred to as visitation. This means the parent gets specified periods of time with the child. The old tradition of every other weekend and sometimes one evening a week is still used in some cases. When it comes to custody, it is always best to spell out this time as clearly as possible to avoid conflicts.
Splitting time with your child can often be difficult for parents to accept. Understanding what each term in your child custody case means can help you determine what is truly best for your situation. If you aren’t sure about any of these terms, it is always best to consult with child custody attorneys in Crystal Lake, to ensure you don’t agree to something with which you won’t be comfortable.
To know about the differences in the types of custody from qualified child custody attorneys in Crystal Lake, visit Bruning & Associates, P.C.
