Knowing What Full Child Custody Entails

There are several terms in the legal area in which couples should become familiar with when they go through a divorce. With various aspects to figure out such as dividing up material possessions, assets and other items, lots of individuals seek the counsel of a lawyer to help them organize and understand what can seem like a mess. When the couple has kids, understanding full child custody in Riverside and around the state is important.

A divorce lawyer or child custody lawyer will be able to offer assistance as each partner navigates the often rough waters of divorce proceedings. Child custody refers to which parent is responsible or has the right to make decisions about their child's education, healthcare, religious instruction, etc. Typically, couples will agree to a joint legal custody arrangement, in which both parties have a hand in making these decisions that affect their child's life.

If full child custody is awarded to one parent, then this parent reserves the sole right and responsibility to make these decisions. This may be suggested in the case where one parent has been convicted of a serious crime or if one parent is deemed unfit to care for, or make decisions regarding, the child. For more information about child custody in Riverside, interested parties should speak to a divorce or child custody lawyer in their area. They will help to answer any questions or address any additional concerns that the party has regarding this issue.

In terms of physical custody, the parent with whom the child primarily lives with is said to have full physical custody. This is not to say that the other parent does not have a right to see their child or does not receive visitation rights. It just means that the child primarily lives with one parent. The parent with whom the child does not live usually maintains visitation rights that the parent with full physical custody must abide by. The non-custodial parent will usually retain joint legal custody even if the custodial parent has full physical custody.

A lawyer will be able to offer further information regarding child custody in Riverside and throughout the state. It is normally a good idea to seek legal counsel when going through a divorce, especially when child custody and child support issues are present. An attorney specializing in these areas can make the proceedings much simpler and smoother for divorcing couples.

For more information it is advisable to get in touch with an experienced and professional Child Custody Attorney in Riverside or to schedule a consultation with a Riverside Divorce Lawyer visit the offices of Diefer Law Group