What is the Difference Between Shared Custody and Joint Custody
When parents decide that they don’t want to be with one another any longer, they often have to choose what happens with their children. When both parents are willing to stay a part of their child’s life due to separation or divorce proceedings, joint custody and shared custody are two options that will be on the table. While they may sound somewhat similar, shared and joint custody has some differences you will both need to be aware of before deciding on the course of action you should take. It’s important to hire a family attorney in Garrett, Indiana, who will help you both decide what arrangement is the best for your specific situation.
Understanding Shared Custody
When a shared custody arrangement takes place, both parents will share legal physical rights to the child or children in question. Each parent will have the same amount of time when it comes to having their child in their homes. A judge may help the family determine whether or not shared custody is best or not. In many cases, shared custody is a good idea if both parents can settle on a set schedule.
In this type of agreement, both parents may or may not have to share their legal parental rights. This means that one parent may have more influence over their child than the other. Examples of this may be religion, education, and healthcare. When shared custody is the judge’s decision, both mom and dad will be required to talk with one another to decide what will be best for the child concerning these issues. An experienced attorney will be able to help you with the specifics of shared custody.
There are a few instances where shared custody will be more appropriate for the child. If one parent has been ill or is dealing with a physical disability, it may be difficult for them to care for their child in the way he or she needs. Shared custody is also often given when one parent is financially unstable or frequently travels out of town.
Understanding Joint Custody
When a family takes on joint custody of their child or children, physical rights will be shared as equally as possible. This means that both parents have the right to spend the same amount of time with the child in their homes. In most cases, the parent will sit down to agree upon a rotating schedule that works out for both parties. In the event an agreement cannot be reached, a judge will step in to determine the amount of time each parent has with their child.
When joint custody has been established, each parent is expected to be highly involved with the child. They will be expected to share all responsibilities equally. When a family decides on joint custody, they must work together to agree on the various decisions concerning their child’s upbringing. This will include issues such as religion, education, family matters, and health care. Putting the needs of the child before their own personal issues is extremely important.
Joint custody will work better if both parents are amicable and capable of making decisions together. It is also helpful for the parents to live and work relatively close to one another when joint custody is a favored option. Joint custody is also more beneficial when the child is in school.
Talk to an Experienced Family Attorney Today
When parents split up, figuring out the child custody arrangements will usually be an emotional and frustrating process. Both parents must sit down and calmly discuss what will be best for their child. There are several factors to consider when deciding between joint and shared custody. However, emotions often get in the way of making a decision. It’s a good idea to have legal assistance when figuring out what type of child custody will work the best for your situation.
The divorce and family law lawyers at Yoder Kraus & Jessup P.C. have years of experience in the different areas of family law. We can help you decided what is best for your child when child custody is a concern. Give us a call today to learn more at 1-260-347-9400 or 800-545-6453.
