Going through a divorce is a complicated and challenging time for any family. When you are asking for joint custody of your children, you will want to discuss the legal options with Utah child custody attorneys. By understanding the potential challenges that may arise, you can prepare for the process and ensure that you have a chance for joint custody.
Joint Physical Custody Differs from Joint Custody
When you talk to Utah child custody attorneys, you will learn that joint physical custody is not the same as joint custody. It relates directly to the amount of time your children spend in your home. Joint physical custody means that your children will spend a minimum of 111 days each year in your home.
Joint custody does not put a minimum number of days on the time your children spend in your home. While you are still a part of your child's life and the decisions made on his or her behalf, the court may decide to award primary living arrangements with one parent or the other parent. Joint custody in Utah only means that both parents are involved in major decisions for their child's well-being. If you want to ensure that your child spends time in your home each year for an extended period, then you want to ask for joint physical custody, as well as joint custody.
Decisions Are Made by Both Parents
Joint physical custody of a child means that both parents are involved in major decisions. You must work with the other parent and come to an arrangement when it comes to your child's well-being. In general, the courts will require parents to share information about a child's medical situation, health, education, and related topics to ensure that they are able to work together to make decisions.
Exclusive Authority May Apply in Some Situations
Although joint physical custody does mean that parents will work together for many decisions, the courts may award a parent with exclusive authority to make certain decisions for the child. For example, one parent may have exclusive authority to make decisions about medical care if they are the primary caretaker for the child. While joint physical custody does mean both parents will have at least 111 days with their children each year, the courts will still designate a primary caregiver and residence for the child. That may result in some exclusive authority in relation to certain situations.
When you want to clarify your options for custody of children in Utah, you want to work with the right attorney. By discussing the different types of custody with Utah child custody attorneys, you will be able to work out a solution for your family. For more information about your options, contact us to talk to an attorney today.
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388
