Going through a child custody dispute can be extremely stressful. Navigating these uncharted waters can leave you feeling utterly lost. With the help of an experienced family law attorney, you can begin to sort out all the unknowns of a child custody dispute. While answers may vary between states, frequently asked questions for parents in Las Vegas are:
What factors does the court consider when deciding child custody?
Child custody is decided by several factors such as:
- The child’s best interests
- The parents’ ability to meet the child’s needs.
- The quality of the parent-child relationship
- Each parent’s physical and mental health
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community
- The willingness of each parent to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent.
How is child custody determined?
Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors, such as:
- The child’s age.
- Physical and emotional well-being
- Relationship with each parent
- Stability of each parent’s home environment
- The child’s preference if they are old enough and mature.
- Any history of abuse or neglect
The court aims to ensure that custody arrangements promote the child’s overall well-being and provide a safe and nurturing environment.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions for the child. For instance, decisions related to where the child will attend school, medical treatments, and religious upbringing.
Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to where the child lives and when they are there. Legal custody can be joint, primary, or sole. It’s about the division of time spent with a parent.
Can I request sole custody of my child?
Yes, as a parent, you can request sole custody of your child. But obtaining sole custody is difficult and not frequently granted.
What is joint custody, and how does it work?
Joint custody involves shared decision-making and/or shared physical custody of the child between both parents. In joint legal custody, both parents have an equal say in major decisions affecting the child’s life. Joint physical custody means the child spends significant time with both parents, often on a schedule determined by the court or agreed upon by the parents. Joint custody arrangements aim to promote involvement of both parents in the child’s life.
For more specific answers for your custody case in the Las Vegas area, give Warnock Family Law a call today.