How Long Does Temporary Child Custody Last?
Temporary child custody is a court decision to award physical custody of a minor child until the final decision is issued. It can be awarded in various situations such as during a separation, divorce, or other legal proceedings involving children.
(Looking for local divorce lawyers? Contact us today!)
Typically, temporary custody is only granted when there are competing responsibilities or other issues that can prevent the child from living with one parent for long periods of time. It is also given when a parent is not able to meet the child’s needs due to illness, military deployment, or other circumstances.
The main purpose of temporary child custody is to allow the child to remain stable until the case is settled. This is done by working to maintain the day-to-day routines of the child such as schooling, family ties, and other important activities.
Many people who are going through a divorce find it useful to make a temporary arrangement for their children while the divorce is underway. This can include an agreement between the parents about how to handle essential issues like temporary child support and spousal support or a custody and visitation order.
Once both parties have signed a temporary custody and support agreement, it must be submitted to the court for review and approval. Then, a judge will sign it as an order of the court.
If the couple is in an amicable relationship, then it is usually possible to agree amongst themselves on these matters. However, if the two parties cannot come to an agreement, the judge will conduct a temporary orders hearing and will issue the court’s decision on these issues.
Some families choose to use a voluntary mediation service to resolve the matter of custody and visitation. These services are free and provide a neutral third party to help the parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation arrangements.
The main advantage to using a mediator is that it saves the parties from going through the process of litigation and the court costs associated with it. In addition, it can help the parents reach an agreement that they may otherwise not be able to achieve in court.
Another advantage is that it can be an inexpensive way to settle a dispute about child support or custody and visitation. In some cases, it can even be less expensive than a trial!
In some instances, a child’s safety can be a deciding factor in granting temporary custody. This is especially true in cases where there are allegations of abuse or neglect.
There are also some situations in which an extended family member can request that a judge grant them temporary custody of a child without the consent of the parent. These extended family members must prove that it is in the best interests of the child for them to receive custody.
As with any other custody situation, the judge must make the determination based on the child’s best interest. This will involve examining factors such as the parents’ age, alcohol and drug use, employment history, financial resources, and more.