Who has the right to make decisions about a child’s welfare?

In California, the right to make decisions about a child’s welfare is typically given to both parents. Under California custody law, parents are assumed to have “equal rights and responsibilities” when it comes to a child’s care. This means that both parents have an equal say in making decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and other matters relating to the child’s welfare. However, if the parents are unable to agree on a decision or if one of the parents becomes unfit to make decisions, the court will have to step in to decide the issue. In such cases, the court will consider the best interests of the child when making its decision. The court may look at factors such as the child’s age, the mental and physical health of the parents, any past history of abuse or neglect, and the child’s attachments to parents, siblings, and other family members. In some cases, the court may designate one parent as the sole decision-maker or allow one parent to make decisions on certain issues. In other cases, the court may appoint a third party such as a guardian ad litem or another qualified adult to make decisions in the best interest of the child. In any case, the court must always consider the best interests of the child when making its decision.

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Who has the right to make decisions about a child’s welfare?

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