Child Custody Guidelines
When parents initiate the process of separation or divorce, it is important that they are familiar with child custody guidelines if they have children that are considered to be minors in the area that they reside in. In most instances, this includes any child that has not yet reached the age of eighteen. Legal documentation must be issued to the court that is over the jurisdiction of the individual that is filing for separation and/or divorce. This document is typically referred to as a “Custodial Agreement”. Naturally, divorce guidelines easiest when parents agree on the arrangements (joint custody guidlines). However, if parents do not agree, a court will determine the living arrangements of a child or the children involved in the case based on a standard set of guidlines.
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Living Arrangements
When a court is working through the process of establishing the living arrangements of a child or children, there are a complex and detailed set of factors that are considered. Inquiries are made to the parents in order to determine if each or one or the other meet the child custody guidelines that the state has in place. This inquiry of the parents is typically made while they are under oath. This ensures that the answers and/or responses that are issued to the court are true so that the judge, magistrate, and/or mediator is able to make a sound decision regarding custody in the case of the separation and/or divorce of the parents of the minor children. In some instances, the court may address the children involved in the case in order to determine if certain answers are true and/or their specific wishes in the case.
Providing Shelter
The first and perhaps the most important of the child custody guidelines in each state is to determine if the parent is able to provide shelter for the child or children that is considered to be both appropriate for their needs and safe for them to live in. First, the home must not be cramped. Additionally, sleeping arrangements must be considered. If there is a male and a female child, it is required that they have their own bedrooms. If there are two children of the same sex that have not yet reached the age of puberty, they may share a room. Once puberty has been experienced, most courts prefer to see same sex children in their own rooms. It is also essential that the home is kept clean and that there are no potential dangers to the psychological and/or physiological health of the child.
Financial Stability
The next most important aspect when it comes to child custody guidelines is financial stability. In most cases, this means that the court will review the means in which a parent acquires money and then reviews how that money is used in order to provide the basic needs of the children that are involved in the case. It does not matter if you have a traditional job outside of the home, or you work from the comfort of your home. The important thing is that you are able to provide housing, electricity, cooling, heat, gas (if required), and other items that contribute to the well-being of the child and/or children that are involved in the case.
When considering custody and child support guidlines the court will also consider the hours that you work and the amount of time that must be dedicated to work each week. It is essential to have a job that matches the routines and schedules of the children. This means working when a child is in school and being available as much as possible when they are not in school. It is important to remember that most child custody guidelines consider spending quality time with children as just as important as providing financial stability. Personal stability is also considered in custody and child visitation guidlines.
The court will work to ensure that the parent that has the majority of the custody of the child or children in the case is both physiologically and psychologically stable and able to appropriately care for the child or children. While illness and chronic health complications will not result in custody being denied, it must be established that it will not affect the parent’s ability to appropriately care for the children. Additionally, the lifestyle choices of a parent may be considered. For example, if a parent suffers from an addiction to a particular substance such as alcohol or drugs, it is not likely that they will be issued custody. If you are going through a separation or divorce, it is absolutely essential that you become familiar with the basic child custody guidelines reviewed in this guide.
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