Many divorced parents have a high learning curve when it comes to child custody. This is because they have never had to deal with the topic and all of the information is new. It can be frustrating to try to figure out everything that goes on in custody cases.
One of the first things a parent has to learn in child custody are the terms and the vocabulary. There are many phrases used in custody that a parent has to know about and comprehend. To help those who are just starting out in custody, here are some of the frequently used words and phrases and their meanings.
1. Parenting plan. This is also called the child custody agreement. This is the agreement that the parents create to establish the plan of their custody arrangement. The agreement has the custody situation agreed on and the custody and visitation schedule which shows when the kids are with each parent. There will also be a holiday schedule and any other provisions the parents want to include. If the parents agree on the custody issues they submit their agreement to the court. If they don't agree, the court will hear both parents speak and then decide on the agreement.
2. Joint custody. This is also called shared parenting and co parenting. There is joint legal custody and joint physical custody. In this custody arrangement, parents share the responsibility of raising their children. In legal custody, both parents have a say in important decisions about the children. In physical custody, both parents have equal time with the kids. This is different from sole custody where one parent makes the decisions for the children and has custody of them.
3. Child custody forms and filing for child custody. You fill out papers concerning child custody and then you file them with the court--the same court where you file for divorce. You have to fill out papers to get the custody case started and so a judge will decide on your case.
4. Custody mediation. Mediation is a tool used by divorced parents so they can meet together and make a custody agreement that they both like. In mediation, the parents sit with a third party who can help them make important decisions about the children and keep the parents focused on the issues on hand.
5. Family court and your custody order. Family court is also commonly referred to as custody court. In family court you either show the agreement you and the child's other parent have made and the court adopts it into an order (a document that makes the agreement legal so parents have to abide by it) or the parents present their cases and the court creates an order.
Knowing the common terms and words in custody is a good start for a divorced parent. This is a foundation for figuring out everything that you have to get done. Once you know what everything means you can move on to creating your agreement and getting it through the courts.
One of the first things a parent has to learn in child custody are the terms and the vocabulary. There are many phrases used in custody that a parent has to know about and comprehend. To help those who are just starting out in custody, here are some of the frequently used words and phrases and their meanings.
1. Parenting plan. This is also called the child custody agreement. This is the agreement that the parents create to establish the plan of their custody arrangement. The agreement has the custody situation agreed on and the custody and visitation schedule which shows when the kids are with each parent. There will also be a holiday schedule and any other provisions the parents want to include. If the parents agree on the custody issues they submit their agreement to the court. If they don't agree, the court will hear both parents speak and then decide on the agreement.
2. Joint custody. This is also called shared parenting and co parenting. There is joint legal custody and joint physical custody. In this custody arrangement, parents share the responsibility of raising their children. In legal custody, both parents have a say in important decisions about the children. In physical custody, both parents have equal time with the kids. This is different from sole custody where one parent makes the decisions for the children and has custody of them.
3. Child custody forms and filing for child custody. You fill out papers concerning child custody and then you file them with the court--the same court where you file for divorce. You have to fill out papers to get the custody case started and so a judge will decide on your case.
4. Custody mediation. Mediation is a tool used by divorced parents so they can meet together and make a custody agreement that they both like. In mediation, the parents sit with a third party who can help them make important decisions about the children and keep the parents focused on the issues on hand.
5. Family court and your custody order. Family court is also commonly referred to as custody court. In family court you either show the agreement you and the child's other parent have made and the court adopts it into an order (a document that makes the agreement legal so parents have to abide by it) or the parents present their cases and the court creates an order.
Knowing the common terms and words in custody is a good start for a divorced parent. This is a foundation for figuring out everything that you have to get done. Once you know what everything means you can move on to creating your agreement and getting it through the courts.
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