On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in child custody on Friday, November 29, 2019.
There are different types of child custody arrangements that parents in Missouri should be familiar with and understand. Doing so can help them through their child custody process and better resolve their child custody concerns.
In general, there are five different types of child custody arrangements available in Missouri. One type of child custody arrangement is when the parents enjoy joint physical and legal custody of the child. Another type of child custody arrangement may award shared physical custody of the child but sole legal custody of the child to one parent. Alternately, one parent may be awarded sole physical custody of the child while both parents enjoy joint legal custody of the child. In addition, one parent may be awarded sole physical and sole legal custody of the child. Lastly, custody or visitation to third parties, such as grandparents, may also be possible.
Physical custody generally refers to which parent the child lives with and, of course, can be shared physical custody so the child lives with both parents according to the child custody agreement. If one parent has sole physical custody of the child, the other parent will generally enjoy visitation according to a visitation schedule. Legal custody refers to which parent has the right to make major decisions for the child such as those related to the child’s education, religious upbringing and medical care.
Child custody is unquestionably important for both children and parents which is why it is helpful to understand the different child custody options that may be available. As this blog has previously discussed, child custody is always based on what is in the best interests of the child and understanding how that is determined can help parents ensure their child custody arrangement is best for their child and meets their needs.
