Few issues are more likely to be contentious than child custody disputes. These conflicts can dominate divorce proceedings or serve as the entire purpose of a court case between unmarried parents. The outcome can affect the relationship you have with your children, making it vital for you to have the support of a compassionate family law attorney.
When you are facing these contentious issues, you deserve legal representatives who are not afraid to fight for you. A Riley County child custody lawyer could help you understand your rights and advocate on your behalf.
Understanding Custody Rights
There are several parental rights to be aware of. Understanding this terminology is important for anyone facing the prospect of a custody dispute. Thankfully, having the support of an attorney in Riley County could make all the difference when child custody issues arise and help a parent enforce their rights in family court.
Legal Custody
The term legal custody is used to describe a series of rights related to making decisions on behalf of a child. This covers all the important choices related to a juvenile, including their religious upbringing, medical care, and education.
Generally, a judge prefers if both parents share these rights equally. Despite this preference, a court might grant sole legal custody to one parent instead of the other. This is only done when the court determines sole custody is in the child’s best interests.
Additionally, non-custodial parents have the right to be notified of major decisions even when they are not empowered to make them. This includes the right to know about medical procedures or changes in an educational plan. A judge could decide to withhold this information if they determine that is best for the child.
Physical Custody
Physical—also referred to as residential—custody focuses on the right to have a child reside with the parent. This can come in the form of joint or sole custody. The amount of time the parties share with their children can vary depending on the terms of the parenting plan.
Parenting Time
Parenting time is also known as visitation. This is the amount of time each individual gets to spend with their children. Even when one parent is not awarded physical custody, a judge will often attempt to provide ample parenting time to foster a relationship.
When a judge in Riley County makes a final determination on child custody issues, the terms are combined into something known as a parenting plan, which a lawyer can help with. This document sets out which parent will retain physical custody while also determining the specific dates the children spend with the other parent.
There is flexibility when it comes to drafting these plans. They can be specific to the point that every day of an entire year is mapped out. There could be complex arrangements where the children are at different houses multiple nights of the week. Alternatively, one parent might only get time on alternating weekends.
Call a Child Custody Attorney in Riley County Today
Finding consensus with the other parent in these disputes can be difficult, if not impossible. The support of an attorney could provide you with a chance to reach an agreement that works for your family.
When these negotiations fall through, court proceedings are your best path towards securing your parental rights.
Get in touch with a Riley County child custody lawyer to learn how we could help you protect your relationship with your children. Call today to learn more.
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