Custody covers charge of children’s healthcare, education, welfare, upkeep etc.
Courts look into the best interest of children while deciding which parent will get the custody of children. Courts do not automatically favor the mother anymore for custody. However, if both the parents are equally suitable the mother is preferred in this regard. The mother is also favored for children of tender age. Other factors that weigh with the court for deciding custody issues are emotional bonding between the parent and the child, child’s preferences, the mental health and ability of the concerned parent to provide for child care, education, shelter etc.
When one parent gets the sole custody of children the other court allows the other reasonable visitation rights. In order to avoid disputes it is advisable to put in place a visitation plan with the assistance of the court or a mediator.
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act is for resolution of disputes concerning child custody where the parents are in different states. Usually the court of the State where the child resides has jurisdiction to try child custody dispute cases between such parents in different states. To ensure uniformity all the fifty states including the District of Columbia have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
Often the custodial parent is required to consult the non-custodial parent regarding the child’s education, health care and other concerns. The custodial parent pays for child support to the non-custodial parent.
