During a divorce, the spouses involved must resolve issues about child custody. Child custody in Madison may be awarded to one parent, providing them with the responsibility to make major decisions regarding how to raise their children. But usually, the court will grant joint or shared custody to both parents, so that they can work together as they make important decisions for their kids. Often, joint custody is appropriate if the two parents can do parental duties, can work together, and do not have conflicts or conditions that might impact their kids or their environment.
Aside from child custody, the children’s physical placement should also be addressed in a divorce agreement. Physical placement means the time the children spend with every parent. Even if a court grants sole custody to one parent, they may allocate a fair amount of physical placement to the other. If you are fighting for custody and placement for your child, get the necessary guidance from Raza Family Law Solutions experts. These experts will help you make the right decisions for you and your kids.
How Child Custody and Physical Placements Are Decided
When courts decide whether to grant both parents joint custody and physical placement, they consider different factors. These factors include a child’s wishes and preferences, their relationship with their parents and other family members, as well as their ability to adjust to their house, community, and school. Also, the courts will consider the wishes or preferences of both parents and any history of child abuse, domestic abuse, substance abuse, or negligence. Other factors that courts consider include the parties’ physical and mental health, the amount and quality of time spent by the child with every parent before, how cooperative and communicative the parents are, and the educational and developmental needs of the child.
Child Custody Modification
To maintain stability for kids, a custody order cannot be modified within the first 2 years following the grant of the order. But modification can be allowed during this time as long as one parent can show that the current custody arrangements are harmful to the child. To have a custody order changed after two years, a parent must show there have been significant changes in their circumstances. Also, they must demonstrate that the proposed modification is in the best interest of the child.
Child custody cases in Madison can be complex and have a sensitive nature. That is why parents should work with a divorce lawyer who is committed to protecting the best interests of their children. The right attorney will work with the parents to ensure the custody arrangements will meet the needs of the family.
