You may be reading this because you need help with child custody or you are a parent or legal guardian going through a divorce. Whatever the reason is, this article will give you a better understanding of what it means to have “split custody” or “joint custody” and explain why these terms exist.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation is a form of child abuse that occurs when one parent attempts to manipulate a child into rejecting the other parent. This can have long-term consequences for both the parents and children, leading to strained relationships and financial hardship.
Parental alienation can take many forms, but all share the goal of driving a wedge between the parent and child. The most common methods include the following:
- Withholding love and affection.
- Remarking negatively or derogatorily about the other parent.
- Forcing the child to choose sides.
- Preventing the child from communicating with or seeing the other parent.
- Refusing the other parent’s contact with the child altogether.
Parental alienation is a severe issue and can have a lasting impact on both the parent and child involved.
What Is Split Custody?
Split custody is a type of custody agreement for parents who have divorced or separated in which the children in the split or divorced household do not reside together.
It is an alternative to full custody when one parent has sole legal and physical custody of the children. Split custody can benefit both parents and children, as it allows the children to maintain relationships with both parents while also ensuring that the child’s best interests are taken into account.
It is essential to seek advice from full custody lawyers when considering a split custody arrangement, as they can guide you on how best to proceed.
Rotating custody is another term used to describe split custody.
How Does Split Custody Feel From a Parent’s Perspective?
Split custody could have some benefits and drawbacks from the parent’s perspective.
Parents are always with one or some of the children.
It’s challenging to be a single parent, and split custody often means that one parent always has one or some of the children at a given time. It is possible for a parent to burn out due to a lack of “alone” time. In order to prevent this, parents should hire a childcare provider to help out so that they can have some free time to themselves.
Lack of Family-Friendly Activities
The parents only get to spend time with each child on occasion when there is split custody which might prove to be challenging.
However, split custody can ease tension if the kids do not get along. It can also give parents precious one-on-one time with the kids, improving their bond.
What is Joint Custody?
A legal arrangement known as joint custody enables both parents to share the burden of raising their children. It is a customary divorce settlement that the courts frequently favor.
It enables both parents to participate equally in choices affecting the upbringing of their children, including those about education, medical treatment, and religious teaching.
Nonetheless, navigating the intricate legal issues surrounding joint custody agreements can be challenging. Attorneys for full custody can help in this situation. They are skilled specialists who can assist divorcing couples in arranging joint custody arrangements and making sure that everyone concerned is aware of their legal rights and obligations.
Joint Custody Is Rarely Granted During Contested Hearings By Judges
While making a child custody decision, judges must consider the kid’s best interests.
If the parents could agree on a child custody arrangement, they wouldn’t be going through a trial and asking the judge to make a decision. Therefore the judge in a contested custody case already knows this. As a result, the judge in a contentious hearing may rule that one parent has the last say in all choices to prevent the need for more hearings. Alternatively, the court may delegate some matters to one parent’s authority while leaving others to the other parent.
Split Custody Vs Joint Custody
Regarding child custody, there are two main types of arrangements – split custody and joint custody. Split custody means that each parent has full custody of one or more children, while joint custody means that both parents have shared physical and legal responsibility for their child.
Split custody is frequently the outcome of a judge’s ruling or an understanding between the parents. It enables each parent to make all decisions regarding their children’s lives. On the other hand, joint custody calls for both parents to collaborate when making decisions regarding their child’s future. Although both kinds of arrangements can give kids stability and security, their specific differences should be considered when determining which is best for your family.
Child Support in Joint and Split Custody
When parents decide to divorce, the subject of child support can be challenging and complex. The amount of child support each parent gives in joint and split custody arrangements will vary depending on various factors.
This includes the income levels of both parents, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and any special needs the child may have. Both parents need to understand their rights and responsibilities when providing financial support for their children.
Requirements to Get Custody of a Child
Getting custody of a child is a challenging process. It requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that the child’s best interests are considered. In order to get custody of a child, certain legal requirements must be met.
- You must be the child’s legal guardian and you must acquire a court order to prove that.
- You must have the child’s best interests at heart. This means you must be able to provide for the child’s physical, emotional, and financial needs.
- You must provide a stable and loving home for the child.
If you meet these requirements, you can get custody of a child. However, it is essential to note that each case is unique, and the court will ultimately make a decision based on what is in the child’s best interests.
Conclusion:
It’s essential to know the difference between split and joint custody when considering a potential custody arrangement. In short, joint custody means that both parents will share legal and physical custody of their child. On the other hand, split custody means one parent will have physical custody while the other parent has legal custody. Though these can be used interchangeably, some special provisions should be outlined in either agreement.
