When two parents decide to end their relationship, they must address child support, parenting time, and legal decision making. While child support obligations are ultimately determined by a family law judge, couples who are willing to compromise can usually devise their own terms regarding parenting time and legal decision making. If you’re going through a separation or divorce, here’s what you should know about these legal arrangements. 

Understanding Parenting Time

Parenting time refers to the time that each parent gets to spend with their children. If logistics allow, it’s fairly common for children to spend a few nights per week at one parent’s home and a few nights per week at the other’s. If such an arrangement is not feasible, the kids might spend most of their time with one parent and visit the other every weekend or for an extended period during the summer. The most important factor in determining parenting time is the best interests of the child. Since it’s in most children’s best interests to see both parents regularly, joint arrangements are standard. 

Defining Legal Decision Making 

Legal decision making refers to a parent’s right to make certain decisions on behalf of their children. A parent with this authority can make choices about their child’s education, health care, and religious upbringing. If one party has sole authority, they do not need the other parent’s consent to make such decisions. Joint authority is more common, though, and will typically be awarded if there is also a joint parenting time arrangement in place. In some scenarios, the court might award joint authority to both but give one parent final decision-making power. This would typically be given to the parent that the children live with. 

If you want to learn more about parenting time and legal decision making or modify your current arrangement, get in touch with the Law Offices of Paul Lenkowsky. Located in Bullhead City, AZ, this full-service firm has been helping clients throughout Mohave County for the past 30 years. To explore all of their family law services, visit their website. Call (928) 758-4815 to schedule a meeting with an attorney today.