Divorce Dex.com: Child Custody

Definition Child Custody - deals with the living arrangements and the legal decision- making concerning a minor child.

Application in Divorce See also Custody - Legal; Custody - Physical.

Don't Forget to Visit Our Online Support Community

Your Suggestion

Questions & Answers

Can my spouse and I specify our child custody arrangement in our separation agreement?

For the most part, you may. Be aware that some states do not allow separation agreements regarding the issues of child custody. Other states require an additional agreement concerning custody, which is called “parenting plan agreements." In most cases you are permitted to outline the custody arrangements in the separation agreement and have the agreement incorporate or merge the parenting agreement, which further address the custody details.

Contributed on 9/20/2007 by: 3StepDivorce - Online DivorceAllentown, PA[Total Submissions: 19]

Category: Child Custody (Applicable in All States)

What if we cannot agree on our child custody arrangement?

The court will decide for you. You should try to work it out. Negotiation is always better than imposition. If you leave it up to the court to decide, you are including the element of surprise. You can never tell what a judge may decide and you may discover that it is neither what you, your spouse, or your child(ren) desire. No one understands your family better than you and/or your spouse, so to leave the decision(s) up to a judge is often a regrettable option.

Contributed on 9/20/2007 by: 3StepDivorce - Online DivorceAllentown, PA[Total Submissions: 19]

Category: Child Custody (Applicable in All States)

Contribute Question/Answer

Helpful Tips & Facts

Settlement is always best
In child custody, settlement is always the best for all involved. Studies have shown that parties that settle their case usually obey the court orders more and feel more positive about the legal process in general (as opposed to a Judge in a black robe micromanaging their lives). So, I would suggest to those of you who are planning to stage a custody "battle," to attempt to settle their cases via mediation rather than spending their children’s tuition to the best of colleges on non stop litigation. I am not suggesting to give up--but to try and compromise for your children’s sake.

Contributed on 12/7/2008 by: Law Offices of Karen B. MillerTorrance, CA[Total Submissions: 1]
Category: Child Custody (Applicable in California)

Contribute Tip/Fact

Additional Resources

Custody Considerations

Fighting over custody can be one of the most stressful and taxing events for you and your children because it causes such incredible emotional intensity and angst. That stress is not only felt among the parents, but also in your children whose fate is being decided, which can leave them with long lasting emotional scars.

How to Fight the Custody Battle

For many reasons, communities and judges react differently to fault testimony. Their reaction depends on many factors. Perhaps the community is conservative or there has been a great deal of publicity about a recent child-abuse case.

Report Broken Link

The Discount Divorce Bookstore Discounts

Visit the Original Online Divorce Bookstore for quick and easy access to quality books, manuals, divorce forms, software and other divorce related products. The store delivers you these products in a confidential and secure fashion with excellent customer satisfaction. All of our products are in stock and are shipped to you within one business day of the order by U.S. Priority Mail. Help Us - Help You.

Browse the Store Categories...

Books We Publish	Child Support	Children and Divorce
Custody & Visitation	Divorce (General)	Do It Yourself Divorce
Domestic Abuse	Friendly Divorce	Grandparent’s Rights
Infidelity	Mediation	Men Only
Military Divorce	Property and Financial Aspects	Recovery From Divorce
Religion and Spirituality	Saving Marriage	Separation
Women Only

Find Divorce Professionals We have an ever-growing list of divorce professionals that contribute to DivorceDex.com. To view a list of professionals in your area, please select your state: ALERT: If you are a divorce professional (attorney, mediator, counselor, financial planner, etc.) generating new clients by joining the directory is easy and free.

Home

Forums

FastFacts

#589: When you file your divorce papers and have your spouse served, this information becomes public knowledge and rarely does reconciliation ever take place once this action is taken. Make sure it is really what you want.

FastFact Sponsor
QdroDesk.com

QDRO Preparation - QdroDesk™ is an industry proven online service providing an instant, easy, accurate, and affordable method for obtaining Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs).

Online Divorce - With or without children, 123DivorceMe.com is the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to file your own uncontested divorce.

Online Parenting Class - Avoid the hassle of completing the mandatory course by taking the "Positive Parenting Through Divorce" class online.

Due to the possibility of unanticipated or unexpected changes in state statutes and related case law the information contained on this page and/or with in this online divorce information index, the owners and any and all persons or entities involved in any way in creation and management of the website and service disclaim all responsibility for the legal effects or consequences of the interpretation or use of the information provided in any way. Those individuals that are in need of legal advice are encouraged to contact a lawyer. You may locate a lawyer in our Find Professionals Area.

Terms & Conditions | Contact Us | Link to DivorceDex

Divorce Source, Inc.
You may reproduce materials available on this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement. Violation of this notice may result in immediate legal action.