In child custody issues, most states recognize two forms of joint custody. The first form is known as joint physical custody or joint physical care. This form of custody is an actual court appointed schedule stating which times each parent will be allowed to have the child.
The second form of joint custody is called legal joint custody, in which both parents share the ability to access health, educational, and other records of the child. They also are given an equal amount of authority in determining the legal welfare of the child. In child custody battles, determining legal joint custody or physical custody often varies in many states.
In all forms of joint custody, both parents are allowed to work together in ensuring the safety and protection of their child. However, even if both parents agree in child custody options, it is still necessary to acquire a child custody attorney, to ensure that the rights of both mother and father are equally enforced.
The second option available in child custody battles is sole custody. Sole custody typically involved only one parent assuming all parenting. This parent given this custody is responsible for all authority of the child including schooling and other care. The other parent receives limited or no visitation depending on the court appointed order.
In child custody options such as sole custody, the parent with limited or no visitation is still required to provide the necessary child support or financial obligations for the child. Even if both parents have agreed upon a sum for child support, an attorney should still be appointed for both parents.
Although in child custody battles the final decision is clarified, the circumstances are not always as outlined as they should be. In the event of relocation of one of the parents, it is often hard to determine visitation times and schedules. This can result in complicated legal issues that often lead to limited visitation to the children. Of course, limited visitation can seriously effect the child, who may or may not favor one of their parents.
The main thing to consider in child custody battles is the welfare of the child. The conflicts and hecticness of custody battles can often result in temporary or permanent damage to the child or children involved. Regardless of the conflicts between mother and father, the child is innocent and should not have to suffer for problems that they have no involvement in. Unfortunately, this is the case for many children involved in child custody battles. Prevention of long term affects related to this subject are available in sources such as counseling and child psychiatrists.