A court decides who will be the guardian of a child under the age of 18 when a couple of files for divorce. In many cases, child custody is a sensitive issue that should be handled carefully. A parent will usually get custody of their child, but in case both parents can’t care for their child, either a relative or an orphanage takes responsibility for the child.

Having a child is the most precious thing for a parent. In order to be with their child forever, a parent would hire the best attorney. Your rights are protected the best with an expert attorney.

Child custody cases are handled by attorneys who have vast experience. In such cases, a lot of intricacies must be handled expertly, which an attorney is able to do.

There are five types of child custody under federal law:

1. A lawful custody arrangement gives a parent the right to decide what the child’s schooling, medical care, and dental care should be. A joint custody arrangement is common in most states. In joint legal custody, the parents share responsibility for making decisions. A parent who is granted joint legal custody may ask the court to enforce the original custody agreement if a decision is made regarding the child without the consent of the other parent.

2. A parent’s physical custody right pertains to the parent who lives with the child. Depending on the state, the child may spend more than half of the time in each parent’s home. The latter arrangement is considered only when there is an amicable relationship between the parents.

3. Parental Custody: In a Parental Custody case, the custodial parent has physical custody and legal custody of the child; the non-custodial parent only has visitation rights.

4. Separated parents can choose joint custody, i.e., if they agree to it.

5. Joint custody is the practice of taking turns visiting and caring for the children in the family home, also known as bird’s nest custody.

Determining custody: Factors to consider

As part of the custody decision, the court considers the child’s best interests as much as possible. Child custody decisions are made according to the following factors:

1. Age, gender, mental and physical health of the child

2. The physical and mental health of the parents

3. Parents’ lifestyles and other social factors

4. The relationship between the child and the parent

5. How parents guide their children

6. The ability of the parents to provide food, shelter, clothing, and medical care for their children

7. The established lifestyle of the child

8. How well the child is doing in school

9. In the case of a child above a certain age (usually 12), the child’s preference should be taken into consideration

10. Healthy communication and contact between a child and the other parent are dependent on the ability and willingness of the parent.

11. Acceptance of the child by a new spouse

12. Affects the child’s well-being due to physical or mental handicaps

When you are involved in a custody dispute, you can see the worst in others, and working with an experienced Jersey City child support lawyer is helpful to make sure you achieve a fair custody agreement and protect your child’s interests. A Jersey City Child Custody Lawyer can assist you with your child custody arrangement if you are going through a divorce