We understand that custodial arrangements can get complicated, stressful, and frustrating. Our office can walk you through the process and ensure your child’s best interests are protected.
Custody refers to the legal responsibility to raise a child and make major decisions that affect how a child will be raised. This can include making decisions about a child’s education, health care, and religious and cultural development.
During divorce proceedings, a parent may apply to the Court for an order setting out custody arrangements. In making these decisions, the Court will only look at the best interests of the child. A child’s best interests involves looking at all of their needs and circumstances. This could include a large variety of factors unique to your child’s development and each parent’s ability to care for the child. It could also include any concerns surrounding family violence.
One parent may have sole custody of a child, meaning they are solely responsible for raising and making decisions for the child. Conversely, joint or shared custody means that both parents share the responsibilities and decision-making power. Sometimes, if there are two or more children, families may have split custody, where each parent is entirely responsible for at least one child.
Access refers to a parent’s ability to visit and check in on the child, even if that parent does not have custody of the child. Unless there is a court order stating otherwise, non-custodial parents have the right to make inquiries and get information regarding the health, education, and welfare of the child.
At Jiwa Law Corporation, our family lawyers are highly experienced and will keep your children’s best interests at heart. Our litigators excel both inside and outside the courtroom. We work to avoid excessive conflict and legal costs by seeking collaborative solutions and alternative dispute resolution processes.
