Joint Custody - A Look at Common Issues
Most couples that get a divorce tend to argue over child custody. Just because they're getting a divorce doesn't mean they no longer love their children. Once we become used to their presence in our everyday lives, it can be difficult living without them. Although it's no longer the case, children and wives used to be considered the husband's property. Since it's fairer for both parties, joint custody is commonly applied these days.
When it comes to joint custody, children have to spend time with both parents. Often, this split isn't done evenly, but both parents get more visitation rights. The courts can either order a joint custody agreement or the parents can come to the conclusion themselves. Usually the court will designate one parent as primary residence for the child and the other as secondary. In most cases, the judges orders the mother to be the primary parent, but in some cases, it's the father.
Once the court has established joint custody, it will set up a visitation schedule unless the couple is able to work out one on their own. A typical schedule will order visitations for the secondary parent of every other weekend and rotating holidays. Parents will need to be assigned holidays based on even and odd-numbered years. In even numbered years, for example, the father may get Thanksgiving with the child. The mother would have the child during odd numbered years for the holiday. This would also be the case for various other holidays.
In some cases, the judge may decide that the parents have to split the time evenly. The child would spend one week with each parent. This is certainly an option if the parent's homes and the school are close enough to each other. While he or she has visitation, the parent will be responsible for making sure the child attends all appointments or classes. Obviously, they will also need to provide clothing, food, and everything else the child needs to survive.
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