What is the Legal Custody of a Child? 

Child custody is a legal term describing the relationship between a parent and a child. It describes both the legal and practical relationship of a parent and a child. A parent can be awarded sole custody, joint legal custody, or shared physical custody. Shared physical custody allows the noncustodial parent to play a larger role in their child’s life. The noncustodial parent can also be ordered to pay child support.

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Joint legal custody gives parents the right to make important decisions about a child 

Joint legal custody is a type of custody arrangement where both parents share the right to make important decisions for a child. This includes major choices about the child’s education, religion, and health. This type of custody is different from physical custody, but both parents must have access to the child at least forty percent of the time. 

While joint legal custody allows both parents to have equal input on major decisions, it is important to understand the risks associated with it. Because it requires both parents to work together, there is the potential for conflict and miscommunication. The best option is to seek the help of trained professionals who are experienced with this type of custody arrangement. 

Sole custody gives a parent the right to make decisions about a child 

If a parent wants to have more control over their child’s life, they may apply for sole legal custody. This type of custody is granted when one parent is more capable of making good decisions for the child than the other. However, it is not a good option for every situation. The court will consider various factors when deciding whether to grant a parent sole legal custody. 

When a parent is granted sole legal custody, they have all the authority over the child. They can make important decisions regarding their child’s health, education, religion, and extracurricular activities. They can also decide where the child attends school and other institutions. The non-custodial parent still has some rights, though, such as visitation. 

Shared physical custody allows the noncustodial parent to play a larger role in their child’s life 

Shared physical custody allows the noncustodial parent to have a more active role in their child’s life. In recent years, courts have tended to grant a noncustodial parents an opportunity to spend equal time with their child. While joint legal custody is the most common form of custody, it is becoming increasingly rare. 

One of the challenges of shared physical custody is establishing a visitation schedule. If a parent cannot agree on a visitation schedule, the court may impose one, or a combination of visitation schedules. In this case, the noncustodial parent may have to fight for increased time with their child. A parenting plan can be a good starting point for changing your schedule. Most custody agreements also include a mediation clause to allow the parents to speak in private. 

Indirect contempt of court is a form of nonpayment of child support 

Indirect contempt of court is when a nonpayer of child support fails to follow an order of a court. This can be a civil or criminal offense. If the contempt is criminal, the defendant may be held in jail or jailed for a specified period. 

If a parent doesn’t pay the required amount of child support, this can lead to a civil contempt action. A civil contempt action is filed by an aggrieved party when the nonpayer fails to comply with a court order. The court will then take action against the nonpayer, and may punish them accordingly.