(801) 254-9450 A Midway child custody lawyer could provide you with the legal support you need during a dispute with your children’s other parent. Whether you are going through a divorce or facing a custody battle with a co-parent, it is vital to have a legal team that is ready to work tirelessly on your behalf. At Carr | Woodall, our dedicated family attorneys could give you the best chance at the relationship with your children that you deserve.
There are different types of custody parents must be aware of because a judge will make more than one custody determination, and the outcome will impact time with your children and your decision-making rights. By hiring a lawyer in Midway to fight for you and your children’s future, our team could help you navigate the major types of custody during or after a divorce.
Physical custody, which is also known as parenting time, involves the right to be physically present with and provide a home for your child. Legal custody relates to the power to make decisions on your child’s behalf. This includes all of the important issues in their lives, including their education, religious upbringing, and medical care.
Beyond awarding legal and physical custody, a court must also determine whether or not parents are awarded sole or joint custody of a child. As the name suggests, sole custody means one party has exclusive parental rights to their children. A person who has sole physical custody of their children provides them with a home full-time and is the only one making the important decisions in their lives.
The law prefers to award joint custody in most cases as long as it is in the best interest of the child. Joint custody means both parties share parenting time and decision-making abilities. This can be done in a variety of ways, from informal arrangements to strict visitation calendars.
Utah law uses the best interest of the child standard to guide child custody decisions. This principle ensures the court’s primary focus is on a child’s well-being, safety, and long-term stability even if it conflicts with the preferences of either parent. Judges weigh multiple factors when applying this standard, including:
For older children, the judge may take their preferences into account, though they balance a child’s views against broader concerns.
Ultimately, the best interest standard aims to create a custody arrangement that fosters healthy development and provides your child with the most supportive environment possible. Our Midway attorneys could help you understand how the best interest of the child standard applies in your custody case.
Ready to discuss your family’s options with a Midway child custody lawyer? Our compassionate team could be here for you every step of the way. Contact Carr | Woodall today, where we listen to your story and guide you through the process.