Alabama courts in every case consider joint custody. The basis for consideration is always “in the best interest of the child”. In making the determination whether joint custody is in the best interest of the child, the court considers the following factors:
1) The agreement or lack of agreement of the parents on joint custody.
1) The agreement or lack of agreement of the parents on joint custody.
2) The past and present ability of the parents to cooperate with each other and make decisions jointly.
3) The ability of the parents to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent.
4) Any history of or potential for child abuse, spouse abuse, or kidnapping.
5) The geographic proximity of the parents to each other as it relates to practical considerations of joint physical custody.
3) The ability of the parents to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent.
4) Any history of or potential for child abuse, spouse abuse, or kidnapping.
5) The geographic proximity of the parents to each other as it relates to practical considerations of joint physical custody.
In addition to physical custody decisions either by the court or between civil parties, legal custody is equally important. Legal custody pertains to a parent’s rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child. The major areas recognized and addressed by the courts for legal custody are: education, medical care, social, and religious training.
Check out this brief video regarding child custody and visitation:
Ugly custody battles are extremely harmful to children. The children become confused and torn. They lose part of their trusting relationship with each parent and they lose part of themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt is critical for a child’s emotional growth and development that their relationship with their other parent is honored and respected.