Legal Custody
Perhaps the best-known child custody arrangement involves a child living full-time with one parent. However, while this does describe the “sole physical custody” arrangement, it does not cover the wide spectrum of custody arrangements. While physical custody is a large part of child custody, there is an equally important concept called “legal custody,” which defines certain parental rights. Understanding legal custody is the key to understanding your rights as a parent.
If you or someone you love is going through a divorce and is concerned about establishing favorable child custody terms, the Austin divorce lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP may be able to help. Contact us today by calling 512-472-2431.
What Is Legal Custody?
The term “legal custody” is meant to reflect the basic rights of parenthood. Unless a parent is found to be seriously lacking in some major capacity (a history of addiction, violence, or abuse, for example), he or she is likely to be granted legal custody. In most cases, legal custody is shared by both parents, whether or not they are both the physical custodians of the children.
Legal custodians have the responsibility to make a number of decisions affecting their children, such as:
- The faith in which the child will be raised
- The schooling the child will receive
- Medical attention the child needs
- Helping to determine other major decisions that affect the well-being of the child
If a parent with legal custody of his or her children is being kept out of the major decision-making process, he or she has the right to seek legal intervention to protect his or her custodial rights.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know is being blocked from making decisions affecting your children, the Austin divorce lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP may be able to help. Contact us today by calling 512-472-2431.