Athens, Georgia Child custody terms
When it comes to child custody in Athens, Georgia , there are many terms that can get thrown around. Generally, it can be pretty easy to misunderstand what exactly these terms mean. Firstly, a term like “custody” has a literal meaning. When you have custody of something, it means that you have physical possession of that thing. But, some parents would speak about their children 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, that has very specific legal meanings and underpinnings that you must be aware of what a phrase like “full child custody” means.
In Athens, Georgia there are two specific concepts that child custody refers to. The first concept that child custody refers to is the concept of legal obligations and rights. Usually except when there is a compelling reason for a judge to hold otherwise, parents will hold joint legal custody of their children in a divorce. Both parents have the right and responsibility to take 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 shall have the total authority to act on the child’s behalf in these areas. If only one parent has complete legal custody, then only that parent has the right to make such decisions. But, it is only in rare instances, such as if one parent has been convicted of child abuse or endangerment, that there would 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 lives with you a vast majority of the time. But it does not mean that the non-custodial parent cannot see the child, or that the child cannot live with the non-custodial parent. It just means that the child resides with you primarily. The non-custodial parent will still generally 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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Athens GA Divorce Lawyer – Athens GA Uncontested Divorce – Contested Divorce Attorney
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