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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

child custody

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A quick definition of child custody:

Child custody is when parents separate or divorce and need to decide who will take care of their children. The court decides what is best for the child by considering the wishes of the parents and the child, the child's relationships, and their health and well-being. The parent with custody makes decisions about the child's education, religion, and health care. There are different types of custody, like joint custody where both parents make decisions, or exclusive custody where one parent has all the rights. Even if one parent has custody, the other parent usually has the right to visit the child. But if the court thinks it's not good for the child, they can deny visitation. The states control most of the laws about child custody.

A more thorough explanation:

Child custody refers to the legal arrangements made for the care and upbringing of a child after a divorce or separation. The court decides who will have custody of the child and what kind of custody arrangement will be made.

There are several types of custody:

  • Joint custody: Both parents share equal rights and responsibilities for the child's upbringing.
  • Exclusive custody: One parent has all custody rights to the exclusion of the other parent.
  • Temporary custody: One parent is granted custody of the child during the divorce or separation proceeding.
  • Third-party custody: A third party, such as a grandparent or other close relative, is awarded custody of the child.

When one parent is awarded exclusive custody, the non-custodial parent has the right to visit and spend time with the child, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. The court may impose restrictions on visitation if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the child.

For example, if a non-custodial parent has a history of physical or emotional abuse towards the child, the court may deny visitation rights. Similarly, if a non-custodial parent has a severe mental illness that would emotionally harm the child, visitation rights may be denied.

If a parent refuses to obey the court's visitation or custody decree, the court can order the parent in indirect contempt of court.

When determining custody arrangements, the court considers the best interests of the child. This includes the wishes of the parents and the child, the child's relationship with each parent, the child's comfort in their home, school, and community, and the mental and physical health of everyone involved.

For example, if a child has a strong bond with both parents and is doing well in their current school and community, the court may award joint custody to both parents. On the other hand, if a parent has a history of abuse or neglect towards the child, the court may award exclusive custody to the other parent.

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goofy-goober
15:36
I just wanna see my results man, waiting is so painful :~(
any word on scalia or any school lol
oakenrays
15:52
scalia is dead fortunately
oakenrays
15:52
law schools are coming out slowly but surely
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:03
@UnderRepresentedTryhard: Yes only for YM applicants tho
RoaldDahl
16:05
dodged the mich r wave what does this mean
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:06
it means you will not be rejected today and may be accepted or WL in the future
Just got my Michigan rejection
BookwormBroker
16:10
same
RoaldDahl
16:10
@HopefullyInLawSchool: what if i already got rejected. does it mean anything
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:12
@RoaldDahl: Likely not however it could mean nothing
RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
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