Understanding joint custody in Westlake Village
The California court system requires that both parents continue to support their children in the aftermath of a divorce or separation. However, it does not necessarily require that both parents remain involved as far as custody is concerned. In general, though, it is preferred that both parents remain a part of their child’s life in order to develop healthy relationships and minimize disruptions that the child may go through during this tough transition period.
Joint custody in Westlake village is a way for both parents to remain an active part of a child’s life, but this process can become complicated. In these situations, both parents will have to be able to communicate with one another to ensure that the final custody arrangements work properly.
When discussing joint custody, we need to make it clear that there are two types of custody in these situations, legal custody, and physical custody.
- Joint physical custody refers to parents sharing the responsibility of where their child actually lives. When parents have joint physical custody, the child will reside with both parents based on an agreed-upon timesharing schedule.
- Joint legal custody refers to parents sharing responsibility for making various decisions about the child’s life, including decisions regarding schooling and education needs, health care decisions, religious upbringing, whether or not the child can go on trips, and more.
When making custody arrangements, it is important to point out that both parents do not have to share physical AND legal custody. It could be the case that both parents have joint legal custody while only one parent has physical custody. It could also be the case that parents both have physical custody of their child while only one parent has legal custody. The complexities of custody arrangements will need to be worked out before a divorce is finalized.
You can modify custody arrangements in Westlake Village
After a divorce or separation is complete, it is important for parents to understand that custody arrangements do not have to remain permanent. There are various reasons why custody arrangements may need to be modified down the road. This could include one parent moving away, a parent losing a job, criminal activity, a parent becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol, and more.
Modifications to child custody are absolutely possible, but parents cannot take it upon themselves to change the court-ordered child custody arrangements. All modifications must be requested and granted by the California family court system before they take effect.
Call our Westlake Village joint custody lawyer today
If you are going through a divorce or separation and there are minor children involved, you must take custody arrangements seriously. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, we understand that child custody matters can be complicated and emotionally fraught, and we do not want you to go through this on your own. We are ready to step up and help ensure that all custody issues are done correctly and within the California family court system. When you need a Westlake Village joint custody attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling 818-237-4574.