How Long Is Temporary Custody of a Child? 

Temporary custody of a child is granted by the court until a final custody arrangement is reached. It can be awarded in a divorce, or when a parent has been unable to care for a child due to unforeseen circumstances. In these cases, the court must take into account the best interests of the child. Taking into consideration the child’s physical, emotional, and stability needs, the judge will make a decision about the temporary custody of the child. 

(Looking for a special need trust fund lawyer? Contact us today!)

There are many reasons why a parent may be unable to care for a child. An illness, a trip overseas, or a change in work schedule can all cause this problem. Often, a parent asks a trusted family member, friend or even a stranger to take care of the children until the problem can be resolved. A parent may also be asked by the court to attend parenting classes, drug tests, or anger management sessions. 

If a parent feels that their child is in danger, they can seek an emergency order from the court. These orders can be issued within a matter of hours, depending on the situation. This is typically done in case of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, or when the environment is not safe for the child. 

When seeking a temporary child support hearing, parties should submit written evidence proving their income and expenses. They can also present evidence from other witnesses, including a spouse. The court can hold a hearing in the judge’s chambers, or in a private location. 

If the other parent refuses to participate in a temporary custody hearing, the judge can still award temporary custody. During a hearing, the court will consider the testimony of the parents and any other witnesses, as well as other information. Usually, a temporary custody order is only effective until a hearing is held, so the other parent must be in attendance. 

Parents who seek temporary custody of a child must take the process seriously. They should consult an attorney if they are unsure of how to proceed. For the most part, a judge will grant an order for temporary custody of a child if it is in the child’s best interests. Keeping the relationship between the parents intact is the court’s main concern. However, if the parents cannot come to an agreement, they can request a trial. 

Having an emergency order of temporary custody can be extremely beneficial, especially if the parent is unable to care for the child. Children can be taken into a guardian’s care temporarily, but they must be returned to the parent within 90 days. If the parent is unable to return the child, the judge will consider whether to modify the order. 

As with any type of custody order, a parent should consider the child’s needs and safety when deciding to seek temporary custody. Changing the routine of the child is hard to justify in court. Getting an emergency order can reduce the risk of injury or abuse, which can help both the parent and the child.