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Child custody is an emotionally charged issue in family law. Understanding different forms of custody and their ramifications is vitally important, so this article explores all of them as well as why hiring an attorney might be best. Furthermore, we'll cover why legal advice should always be sought out and which qualities an ideal lawyer must possess.

Types of Child Custody

Child custody arrangements generally fall into three broad categories.

• Physical Custody: Childrearing may take place with either both parents sharing custody, or just one.
• Legal Custody: Legal custody entails the right to make major decisions for a child regarding education, healthcare, and religion. Legal custody may either be sole or joint custody arrangements.
• Temporary Custody: Granted during divorce proceedings or until an agreement can be made for permanent custody arrangements.
• Joint Custody: Parents share physical and/or judicial custody and make decisions together regarding their child(ren).
• Sole Custody: One parent may be granted exclusive physical and legal custody for his/her children.
• Split Custody: When there is more than one child, each parent will typically take primary custody over at least one of them.
• Third-Party Custody: If it is in the best interests of the child, another relative or nonparent can be granted custody.

How Does Child Custody Affect Child Support?

Child custody arrangements have an enormous influence on child support obligations. Typically, the parent who has primary physical custody receives child support payments from both parties depending on factors like income, child needs, and custody arrangements. Here are some statistics that shed more light on this subject:

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019, 81.6% of custodial parents received child support payments.
• Child support payment average per parent annually is $4,472.

What type of custody is best for a child?

The optimal child custody arrangement depends on a variety of factors, including both the needs and cooperation between both parents. Courts usually favor joint custody when both can provide an emotionally and physically healthy environment for the child, their safety and well-being must always come first.

Why hiring a divorce attorney is better than proceeding without one?

An experienced divorce attorney can make an enormous difference in custody battles. Here's why:

• Expertise: Attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of family law and can successfully navigate its intricate legal system.
• Unbiased Advice: An attorney can offer impartial guidance that will enable you to make the best choices for your child.
• Negotiation Skills: Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a fair custody arrangement.
• Paperwork and Procedures: Attorneys take great care in handling all necessary paperwork to ensure no important detail goes amiss.

When should you consult an attorney?

Consult an attorney as early as possible in your divorce or child custody proceedings to avoid expensive errors and escalated disputes. Don't wait until issues escalate before seeking legal advice.

What criteria must I follow to select an attorney?

Select the ideal attorney by considering these criteria:

• Experience: Select an attorney with extensive knowledge of child custody and family law issues.
• Reputation: Before hiring any attorney, research their reviews, referrals, and disciplinary history.
• Communication: Choose an attorney who can communicate clearly and listens attentively.
• Fees: Understanding their fees and making sure they fit within your budget are of utmost importance.

Why Choose Drama-Free Divorce?

Drama-Free Divorce excels in child custody cases. Our family law team has an impressive track record, prioritizing clear communication to keep you informed at every step and offering transparent, competitive fees to make legal representation affordable for everyone.

Suggestions for Action

Navigating child custody issues is never easy, but taking the appropriate steps to help make things simpler:

• Consult with an Attorney Early: Do not put off consulting an attorney to protect your rights. Seek legal advice right away to secure them.
• Mediation: Consider mediation as an alternative to court battles for reaching amicable solutions to issues. The goal should be reaching an agreeable solution without incurring legal expenses.
• Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all interactions between yourself, the child, and other parents.
• Consider Your Child's Needs First: Always consider what's in the best interests of your children when making decisions.
• Keep Yourself Up-To-Date: To gain a fuller understanding of your legal rights, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the child custody laws in your jurisdiction.

Child custody is an integral aspect of divorce and can have lasting repercussions for both parties involved. Recognizing its effect on child support payments is key in order to protect their well-being during what can be a trying time. Do not hesitate to seek professional legal advice in this difficult time. Contact us today at 816 615-5555 or send us an email on our Contact Page.