Columbus, GA Child custody terms

Columbus, GA Child custody terms

When it comes to child custody in Columbus, GA , there are many terms that can get thrown around. Generally, it can be pretty easy to misunderstand what exactly these terms mean. Firstly, the term like “custody” has a literal meaning. If you have custody of something, it means that you have physical possession of that thing. But, few parents would talk about their child as being a “possession” in the way that jewelry or a car might be a possession. Custody, as connected with child custody, is a legal term, which has very specific legal meanings and underpinnings which you have to be aware of what a phrase like “full child custody” means.

In Columbus, GA there are two specific areas that child custody refers to. The first area that child custody refers to is the concept of legal obligations and rights. Typicallyunless there is a compelling reason for the judge to rule otherwise, parents will hold joint legal custody of the children in a divorce. Both parents have the right and responsibility to make decisions for the child in vital fields such as education, instruction in religion, and health care. When parents have shared or joint legal custody, both parents will have the complete authority to act on the child’s behalf in these areas. Where only one parent has complete legal custody, then only that parent has the right to take these decisions. However, it is only in rare cases, like if one parent has been convicted of child abuse or endangerment, that there will be sole legal custody.

The next concept that child custody refers to is physical custody. Having full physical custody of a child means that the child stays with you a vast majority of the time. But it does not indicate that the non-custodial parent does not see the child, or that the child cannot live with the non-custodial parent. It merely indicates that the child stays with you primarily. The non-custodial parent shall still usually retain joint legal custody even if you retain full child custody in the physical area. Besides, the non-custodial parent can still also have specific visitation rights that you must, by law, comply with even though if you have full physical child custody.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 - www.columbus-divorce.com

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GA Uncontested Divorce - GA Contested Divorce - Separation - Spousal Support - Property Division - Alimony - Military Divorce - Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases - Child Custody modification - Child Support Modification - Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.