Child custody and visitation

When a couple decides to divorce, it is in their best interests to try and negotiate an agreement with each other regarding custody and visitation.  Everyone benefits from a negotiated and cooperative child custody agreement, especially the child.

There are several types of custody arrangements that can take place:

· Joint custody – Parents can share legal and physical custody.  Physical custody requires an appropriate schedule that meets the needs of both parents and the child.

· Legal custody – The parent has the right to make major decisions regarding the child which include health, education, religion and day-to-day activities.  If both parents share legal custody, they both make these decisions together.

· Physical custody – The child lives with that parent.  The other parent has visitation rights.

Child custody brings up a lot of matters that can be both difficult and complex.  If you are going through a divorce and have child custody issues, being represented by an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney, who is a skilled negotiator, benefits both parents and the child by giving more control over the outcome to the people involved.