Child Custody Modifications

Under the laws of the State of Alabama, a child is someone who has not attained the age of 19. Frequently in divorce and other relationship dissolutions, child custody is a major decision to be made between the parties. Once a party files for divorce, a child custody determination will be made during the divorce proceedings. If the parties were never married, a Petition for Child Custody must be filed to ensure which parent has custody. Even the mother of a minor child must file a petition to solidify her rights.

A child custody determination is a judgment, decree or other order of the court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child. There are several different forms of custody that can be awarded.

Sole Legal Custody: This form of custody refers to one parents having the sole rights and responsibilities to make major decisions regarding the child, including, but not limited to, the education of the child, the health care, and religious training.

Sole Physical Custody: This form of custody refers to one parent having the sole physical custody of the child and the other parent having visitation except as otherwise ordered by the court.

Joint Legal Custody: This form of custody refers to both parents having equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions regarding the child. These include educational decision, medical decision, religious decisions and so forth. The court may designate one parent has having the sole part to make certain decision while both parents retained equal rights and responsibilities for other decisions.

Joint Physical Custody: This form of custody means that both parents share the physical custody of the child to insure that the child has frequent and substantial contact with both parents. This does not necessarily mean that the child spends equal durations of time with each parent.

Children are a number one priority here at Richard DeWeese Attorney at Law. If you or someone close to you needs legal advice regarding a child custody determination it is important that call Richard DeWeese Attorney at Law today to set up a consultation with one of our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys.

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be provided is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.