Answers to Common Child Custody Questions

Child custody battles are difficult for parents. Several factors determine the outcome of the case. It is essential to make preparations before representing your interests before the court – discuss your case with your family and see if you need a child custody lawyer to help you out. Child custody attorneys in Dearborn are highly qualified and specialize in different aspects of child custody. You can work with a credible child custody attorney in Dearborn to get insight into the case and propel the case forward. 

Below are answers to some common child custody questions to help you prepare for child custody sessions – 

What are the different types of Child Custody? 

Legal Custody 

Legal custody of a child refers to the legal responsibilities to make decisions for his / her ward. Legal decisions include several matters – religious inclinations, medical decisions, education, and other essential concerns. Sole legal custody of a child allows you to make all crucial decisions regarding your child’s religion, education, and medical needs. Joint custody lets both parents make decisions on behalf of the child. If you don’t have joint physical custody, you can still file for joint legal custody of the child. 

Physical Custody 

Physical custody determines where the children will live most of the time. Physical custody can be sole physical custody, joint physical custody, or bird’s nest custody, depending on your circumstances and needs. 

Visitation

Visitation is a legal agreement that lets a parent visit his/her child without having physical custody. Some standard types of visitations include unsupervised visitation, supervised visitation, and online visitations. 

What Factors Influence Child Custody? 

Child custody is determined after legal evaluations. Different factors influence child custody in Dearborn – the child’s relationship with parents, the parent’s willingness to provide for the child, the child’s educational and medical needs, to name a few. Negative factors like domestic violence and substance abuse can interfere with your chances of securing child custody. 

Should You Proceed without a Child Custody Attorney? 

Based on the complexity of the case, you can decide whether you can proceed without a lawyer. If you are on speaking terms with your ex, your issue can be resolved with little effort from both sides. You can cooperate with your spouse to decide on the best course of action. If the circumstances are in your favor, you can avoid and prepare yourself to represent your interests before the law. 

When Should You Hire a Child Custody Lawyer? 

Sometimes a case worsens, and you find it hard to defend your rights. The best child custody attorney in Dearborn will evaluate your case and help you proceed confidently. Watch out for the following situations when seeking legal counsel- 

You are not conversant with family laws 

Your partner is working with an attorney

Your partner has changed his/ her stand 

You have been a victim of domestic violence

You have a history of alcohol and drug abuse 

Final Thoughts 

For anyone who is newly divorced, child custody is a serious concern. It would help if you figured out the child custody options available to you as a single parent. You may not be eligible for the sole custody of your child because you think you deserve it. While researching your child custody options, you cannot alienate children from the discussion. You have to choose what is best for your kids and their future.