The dissolution of a marriage is not something to take lightly. This is especially true when the couple has children living at home. Here are some examples of decisions that must be made regarding Child custody and support.
Sole or Shared Custody?
One of the first issues to resolve with Child custody and support is how the parents will go about setting up the custody arrangement. Will one parent assume sole custody for the children? If so, this means that one parent will continue to make all decisions regarding that child in terms of medical treatments and other basics. With shared custody, both parents retain rights that have to do with managing the welfare and protection of those children when they are with either of the parents.
Who Will Be the Custodial Parent?
Even with shared custody arrangements, one parent must be identified as what is known as the custodial parent. This is the parent who provides the children with a permanent home and who takes on the majority of the day to day responsibility for those children. The other parent will be identified as the non-custodial parent, and will provide ongoing financial support that aids in making sure the children have what they need in the way of food, clothing, and shelter.
Visitation Children deserve the right to spend time with both parents. This will mean that the terms of the custody arrangement must include time for the non-custodial parent to see the children. Many arrangements call for allowing the kids to stay with the non-custodial parent for a certain amount of time each month, along with visitation privileges on holidays and other special occasions. Setting the
Terms for Child Support
Determining the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent provides involves the use of specific criteria set by the local jurisdiction. Child support can include the cost of health insurance and other benefits in addition to disbursements of cash to the custodial parent. Attorneys for both parties will help work out the specifics and ensure that the arrangements are in keeping with all current laws. Working out custody terms can be complicated.
The attorneys with Trozzo, Lowery, Weston & Rock Attorneys At Law understand this, and will work to ensure the best possible terms are put in place. Doing so helps protect the rights of all parties involved, and ensures that the children continue to enjoy relationships with both parents.
