One of the most frightening aspects of ending a marital relationship is dealing with the custody and support of minor children. Each parent wants to ensure they get full custody, possibly because they have irrational fears about the other parent’s intentions. Whatever the motivations, parents often end up in a bitter battle over the custody of their children. While the situation can be handled without the assistance of an attorney, that’s rarely a wise course of action.
You often need the help of a custody lawyer in Hernando County, FL, because the issues surrounding custody and support are complicated. In determining child custody, there are two types of custody to be considered. The physical custody of the child determines where the child will live, while legal custody determines which parent has the authority to make decisions concerning the raising of the child. Legal custody concerns parental issues, such as those related to the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
In most cases, the court will grant the parents shared legal and physical custody. This means they continue to share the physical custody of the child and make parenting decisions together. This is the best situation in many instances, because it helps the family stay together as much as possible. A divorce is unsettling enough for young children, so the possibility of sharing custody helps maintain a closer family dynamic.
In some cases, a judge may limit the time one parent spends with the child, so he may only grant visitation rights. In other situations, one parent may be granted physical custody, while the other parent is granted legal custody. The judge will determine what situation is best for the child, which is a decision he will base on the testimony and evidence provided by both parties and their attorneys.
Once custody is determined, it will be easier to determine child support. The custody arrangement, needs of each child, and income levels of both parents will help determine support issues. In some situations, support may not be mandated, but this isn’t always the case. The judge must determine the best way for each parent to contribute toward the child’s financial needs.
As this brief overview shows, custody and support issues are very complex. They require the expertise of lawyers trained in handling child custody and support cases, so the rights of each parent are protected. Above all, these types of cases focus on providing the best possible future for any minor children involved in the family.