Determining child custody is one of the more difficult parts of divorce. Many adults go into the process with an array of misconceptions in mind. Did you know, for instance, that the law requires you to share details of your living arrangements—i.e. a new partner moving in—with your ex? Here, the divorce lawyers of Arnold Law Offices in Pell City, AL, provide additional information about child custody.

Read on as they debunk some common myths about the topic:

• Moms Always Win Custody: While it is true that child custody cases used to be settled overwhelmingly in the mother’s favor, this trend is waning. More men are electing to be stay-at-home dads, for instance, which can sway a judge’s opinion. Additionally, as any divorce lawyer will tell you, fathers are becoming more informed about their rights to custody.
• Kids Get to Choose: If a child is older, a judge may decide to interview them for insights into their relationships with their parents. Part of this may include asking the child for a preference regarding living arrangements. This isn’t decisive, however. It also applies only to older kids—usually those who are at least 13 years of age.
• Failure to Pay Child Support Impacts Visitation: If a person doesn’t pay child support, there are legal ramifications—including possible jail time. That said, failure to pay doesn’t mean that the individual is not allowed to see the child. The other parent is not permitted to withhold visitation for this reason. It’s also worth noting that a parent is still liable for child support even if they choose to give up custody and visitation rights.
• Gaining Custody Allows Full Freedom of Movement: Even if you have full custody, you can’t pick up and move wherever you want with your little one. If a parent wants to move, the other parent must be notified. A hearing will be held to determine if the move is in the kid’s best interest before it can proceed.