Sole physical custody is one of the most popular types of child custody preferred by many divorced parents these days. However, the courts generally intervene in those divorce cases since they can be extremely contentious. Sole physical custody is not the only option out there. You can ask a Salt Lake City child custody attorney about your options and consider the pros and cons before making the final decision.
Sole physical custody means
When parents who have a sole physical custody arrangement, their children live with the custodial parent more than 50% of the time. This parent has the legal authority to make child-related decisions. It helps the children have a stable home and not having to go back and forth between homes. However, the non-custodial parent is also granted visitation time.
Many children in the United States live with one parent, even when they have visitation with the non-custodial parent. While courts are not longer granting sole custody to moms as they used to, things continue almost the same. Only one in six custodial parents is a father. Non-custodial parents are generally awarded generous visitation time yet they feel is not the same as when they used to live with the kids. Sole custody is awarded in cases involving domestic violence and substance abuse but it is also very common in other divorce scenarios.
Pros & Cons
This custody arrangement has its advantages:
- Children can reside in one place so they don’t have to move back and forth between residencies.
- Children can stay in their current home most of the time, which helps them keep their stabilized routines.
- Children can still have a good relationship with the other parent since non-custodial parents are also granted visitation rights.
It is important you contact a Salt Lake City child custody attorney before you commit to sole physical custody. There are also some disadvantages to this custody arrangement:
- Children can’t live with both parents so that means they won’t be able to spend time with the non-custodial parent as they used to.
- Children will miss the non-custodial parent.
- It will take time to get used to the new arrangement.
- Relatives generally think the custodial parent is a better parent.
You can make the most out of your child custody and visitation agreement. Remember children need two active parents who can love them and nurture them unconditionally. Whether you are the custodial or noncustodial parent, you must try to maintain a healthy relationship with your child and allow your former spouse to stay in touch with your children on a regular basis. Make a visitation schedule that shows who your child will spend time with, dates and times. Allow your children to express themselves and be patient as they may need to adapt to the new routine.
If you are not happy with your existing custody arrangement, contact us today and schedule an initial case evaluation with Salt Lake City family law attorney Christopher M. Ault.
