Child Custody

Child Custody is the term used to define a legal arrangement where a parent or guardian has responsibility for the care of children. Child custody issues come up before the courts usually in divorce proceedings. Child custody arrangements also can come up when the courts are hearing matters involving child protective services agencies. 

In divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements are often determined by the court and written into final orders. Judges are supposed to determine what is in the best interests of the children. Often family law trials with child custody issues at the forefront will sometimes become very bitter contests between parents. This is especially prevalent when they are working to present evidence in order to obtain sole custody of their children. 

A parent might have sole custody of their children but as part of a final order, the other parent will have access and visitation rights. The other parents in this scenario would be referred to as the non-custodial parent. The non-custodial parent is someone who although has no orders of child custody upon them, but they will still likely have in many instances an order for child support on them. They may be required to pay a monthly minimum depending on how many children they have.

Joint child custody arrangements are also quite common, particularly when the parents live in close proximity of each other. In these instances a parent might have the child live with them every weekend, or so many days per week and month. Some joint child custody arrangements may have children spending entire summers with the other parent, especially if the other parent lives a significant distance away.

Child custody laws and information can vary from different provinces and territories. For more information on child custody issues you should contact legal counsel in your area familiar with this kind of law. If you cannot afford counsel, contact your local legal aid office to see if you can qualify for assistance. In addition, you may want to check out your local courts administration for any informative pamphlets they have on child custody. Courts regularly update information packages in order to keep the public up-to-date on emerging and changing issues related to child custody law.