Determining child custody arrangements is often the most stressful and confusing aspect of a divorce or family court proceeding. The attorneys at Nichols, Speidel & Nichols provide quality counsel and guidance to their Batavia, OH, clients on the topic. Here, they answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Answers to Common Child Custody Concerns

What Is the Difference Between Legal & Physical Custody?

Legal custody is the right to make decisions regarding the child’s health care, schooling, and other matters. Physical custody dictates which parent the child will live with.

How Do Joint & Sole Custody Differ?

With joint, or shared, custody or parenting both parents have legal and physical responsibilities for the child. Sole custody means those duties fall to one parent. Some agreements involve joint legal and physical custody, while others may be a combination of the two.

How Do Courts Determine Custody Arrangements?

Courts do not take parenting arrangements lightly. They look at a wide range of factors before coming to a decision, including each parent’s mental and physical health, their involvement in the child’s life, willingness to cooperate, and history of abuse or criminal activity.

Is It Possible to Come Up With Our Own Custody Agreement?

Many parents prefer to spare their children from the ugliness of custody battles during a divorce by settling the matter outside of court. With help from a knowledgeable attorney, it’s possible to come up with an agreeable parenting arrangement; however, the court must approve it before it can take effect.

5. Do Other Relatives Have Custody or Visitation Rights? 

Depending on the situation, other relatives may have the right to seek custody of a child or to request visitation. These may include grandparents, aunts or uncles, or even a close family friend. Sometimes referred to as guardianship, this type of custody arrangement is only awarded if neither parent is deemed unfit to care for the child.

If you’re going through a divorce or have additional questions about custody, contact the experienced attorneys at Nichols, Speidel & Nichols. With over 75 years of combined experience in family law matters, they have the necessary expertise to protect your rights and best interests during this difficult time. Visit their website to learn more about their background in this practice area, or call (513) 732-1420 to schedule a consultation today.