Augusta, GA Child custody terms
In child custody in Augusta, GA, there are a lot of terms that can get thrown around. Usually, it can be pretty easy to misinterpret what exactly those terms mean. First of all, a term like “custody” has a literal meaning. When you have custody of something, it means that you have physical possession of that thing. However, some parents would speak 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, and has very specific legal meanings and underpinnings which you should be know what a phrase like “full child custody” means.
In Augusta, GA there are two specific areas that child custody refers to. The first concept that child custody refers to is the concept of legal obligations and rights. Typically unless there is a compelling reason for the judge to rule otherwise, parents will share joint legal custody of their children in a divorce. Both parents have the right and responsibility to take decisions for the child in important fields such as education, instruction in religion, and health care. When parents have shared or joint legal custody, both parents shall have the full authority to act on the child’s behalf in these areas. When only one parent has full legal custody, then only that parent has the right to take these decisions. However, it is only in rare cases, such as 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 resides with you for vast majority of the time. But it does not mean that the non-custodial parent does not see the child, or that the child cannot reside with the non-custodial parent. It just indicates that the child resides with you primarily. The non-custodial parent will still often retain joint legal custody even if you have full child custody in the physical area. Besides, the non-custodial parent may still also have specific visitation rights that you should, by law, comply with even though if you have full physical child custody.
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Shawn Gunder is an Augusta GA divorce lawyer & Georgia Military Divorce Lawyer He is an Augusta military divorce lawyer, GA child custody attorney and Augusta Georgia child support attorney.
