When a relationship ends, one of the first concerns parents typically have are regarding their children. The sharing of a child in family law cases its called custody and visitation.
Child custody is split into legal and physical custody, legal custody includes decision making regarding the child such as issuance of passports, what doctor the child is going to see and what school is he going to attend.
It is typical in California for parents to share joint legal custody. However, there are always exceptions based on specific circumstances were only one parent will have sole legal custody.
Physical custody is with whom the child leaves most of the time, this can also be refer to as the primary caregiver or the custodial parent. Once physical custody has been determined a visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent will need to be put into place.
When determining a visitation schedule its important to look at the best interest of the child. This means to attempt to keep the child’s routine as close as their current schedule as possible.
Although there are typical schedules such as a two-two three schedule or every other weekend, parties have to ability to be as creative as they want with their individual parenting plan for their family’s specific needs.
To do so, its important that parents attempt to make an agreement regarding their visitation schedule. If an agreement is not reached it is still necessary for a stipulation to be drafted by a legal professional, signed by both parties and submitted to the court.
If you would like to learn more about child custody or need to make changes to your current visitation schedule, we’d be happy to assist you. Please contact us for a free consultation, click here to schedule or send a SMS to 619-648-9652.
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