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(801) 254-9450 (801) 254-9450 Whether you are facing a divorce or have a dispute with a co-parent, issues of child custody can play a major role in your life for years to come. It is important to protect your legal rights in these situations and understand the types of custody in South Jordan.
At Carr | Woodall, we could do more than answer your questions about this process. We look forward to advocating on your behalf and working toward a favorable outcome for your case. Before you develop a parenting plan on your own, consider discussing your options with our seasoned child custody attorneys.
In South Jordan, the types of custody fall into two categories: legal and physical. In each case, the court determines who has both legal and physical custody of your child.
Legal custody refers to the right to make vital decisions on your child’s behalf. This includes deciding where your child attends school, what religion they participate in, and who provides them with medical care. Physical custody determines where your child resides and who is responsible for their day-to-day care.
South Jordan courts must also decide whether the custody type is shared between parents or held solely by one parent. Judges typically seek to share these rights among parents whenever possible, though sometimes the court could split them. For example, you and your co-parent could share legal custody, while only one of you has physical custody.
When you have the decision-making power, you have sole legal custody. This differs from joint custody, where you and the other parent share in the decision-making process.
Split physical custody is also possible. This may occur in several different ways, such as your child spending weekends with the other parent and weeknights with you or by alternating weeks.
Judges in Utah rely on a single standard when deciding whether to award child custody. Their role is to make a decision based on what is best for the child. Despite the pivotal role you play in your child’s life, your preferred outcome is not a guarantee when setting up a parenting plan. A judge may consider your wishes, but the law requires a resolution that is in your child’s best interests.
This standard considers numerous factors, including:
These are some of the grounds judges in South Jordan may consider when deciding custody options. Let our firm answer your questions about how this standard might apply to your case.
In the end, what matters is whether a custody arrangement is best for your child. Learning about the types of custody in South Jordan may help you understand your rights and participate confidently in this process.
At Carr | Woodall, we help parents protect their relationship with their children. We have spent years working in this area of the law, and we look forward to using our experience on your behalf. Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your custody options.