What Is Joint Custody of a Child? 

Joint custody of a child is a legal arrangement that allows both parents to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. It allows parents to share decision-making responsibilities and the authority to resolve disagreements. The key to joint decision-making is clear communication between the parents. However, joint custody is often resisted by one parent because one parent is reluctant to share parenting decisions. 

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Joint legal custody 

Joint legal custody of a child is an option for divorcing parents. This type of custody allows both parents to spend equal time with their children. In some cases, joint custody will also allow one parent to have the legal right to make certain decisions, such as educational or medical decisions. Generally, the parents will agree on the arrangements between the two. 

However, joint legal custody is not for every couple. If the parents do not have a good relationship, it can make it difficult to work together. The stress of dealing with conflict in a relationship can hinder joint decision-making. In these cases, both parents must make sacrifices and work together. Children benefit from parents who share values and are willing to compromise. 

Sole physical custody 

If you’re a parent who wants to be as involved with your child’s life as possible, joint physical custody is for you. This arrangement allows you to make the most important decisions for your child, while still giving your non-custodial parent some say over the day-to-day routine. It’s ideal for parents who get along well, but joint physical custody can also put your children in the middle of ongoing disagreements and complex litigation. However, joint physical custody doesn’t mean that the other parent doesn’t see the children regularly. In most states, the non-custodial parent has visitation rights, which allow them to visit regularly. 

When a parent is awarded joint physical custody, they’ll often split the custody of their children 50/50. This means that the child will spend most of their time with the parent who is in the home with them. However, there will be some times when the other parent has a greater share of time with the child. Joint physical custody will give your child a better chance to get to know both parents, which will help build their self-esteem. 

Shared decision-making responsibilities 

Shared decision-making responsibilities in joint or sole custody of a child can involve important decisions that affect the child’s health and well-being. This includes decisions related to education, religion, culture, and spirituality. The decision-making process is based on the best interests of the child. Courts also consider the level of parental involvement and communication. 

However, shared decision-making arrangements are not always successful. There are many reasons why such arrangements don’t work, including conflicts between parents or inability of both parents to cooperate and share information. Another possible reason is ongoing issues, such as domestic violence. In addition, one parent’s unwillingness to participate in joint decision-making in the past may be a significant obstacle. 

Duration of joint custody 

Joint custody is the process by which a child’s custody is divided between both parents. In this situation, the parents are equally involved in the child’s life, and the child spends equal time with both parents. This arrangement requires both parents to be involved and to work together to make the child’s best interests a priority. 

Joint custody of a child is a complicated process, and it can be difficult for the parents. If the two parents don’t get along, this can only add to the stress. It can make their relationship worse and put the children in the middle of the fights.