Joint versus Sole Custody

Millions of couples across the United States file for divorce every year for a variety of reasons. And while divorce may be the best choice for a family’s future and happiness, it can still be a very trying time, especially when deciding on often-contentious issues such as dividing assets and child custody. When couples are deciding on how they will handle child custody after a divorce, two of the most common custody agreements are shared custody and joint custody.

Each of these arrangements is unique and you should discuss each with your spouse and a qualified divorce attorney. If you or someone you know is considering divorce and is concerned about child custody, contact the Oceanside child custody lawyers of Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP, today at 760-722-7646 and schedule an initial consultation with a qualified legal representative.

Differences in Custody Arrangements

Whether couples decide on joint or sole custody, they can make the decision on their own outside the courtroom, or if necessary, go to court and have a judge make a ruling. If both spouses believe they should be equally involved in their children’s lives, physically and legally, they will likely want to choose a joint custody arrangement.

However, if one parent believes that it would be in their child’s best interest to live primarily with that individual, they may wish to pursue sole custody, in which they would be the child’s primary caregiver. Even if a child lives predominantly with one parent, the non-custodial parent may be given visitation rights.

Contact Us

At Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP, our Oceanside child custody lawyers will help you fight for the custody arrangement you feel is best for you and your children. To learn more about what we can do to help you, contact one of our experienced attorneys today by calling 760-722-7646.