What is child custody?

Child custody is the legal obligation for the care and support of the children in a family. It is the responsibility of parents to make decisions regarding the well-being of their child or children. In the state of Washington, there are two types of child custody: physical custodial rights and legal custodial rights. Physical custodial rights refer to where the child lives and who makes decisions regarding their day-to-day activities. Legal custodial rights refer to the right to make decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and welfare. Parents can decide to share custody, or one parent can be given sole custody. In the case of shared custody, both parents remain involved in the child’s life and both get to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. In the case of sole custody, one parent is designated the sole decision maker. Child custody can be complicated, and the courts will look at many factors when deciding on the best scenario for the child. These factors may include the emotional stability of each parent, the relationship of the child to the parents, and any history of abuse or neglect. In the state of Washington, the court will generally try to look for the best interest of the child in all family law matters, including child custody. It is important to understand the legal intricacies of child custody and to speak to professional family lawyers to ensure that a suitable arrangement is made.

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