Colorado parents know that divorce is a difficult process, especially when it comes to navigating concerns related to child custody. Parents are naturally greatly concerned with what will happen to their children in a divorce, and because of this, both parties may find themselves fighting for custody and visitation plans that are vastly different.
Most people know that children generally benefit when they can maintain strong relationships with both parents. However, that is not always the best arrangement for every family. For example, because of the circumstances of your individual situation, you may believe that it is in the best interests of your child for you to seek sole custody.
Examples of sole custody
When people think of sole custody, they often imagine that one parent will have the child 100 percent of the time and all of the authority to make decisions on behalf of the child. In reality, there are various arrangements that can still allow a parent to maintain sole custody while still allowing his or her child to have regular visitation with the other parent. There are two types of custody, physical and legal custody, and the differences are as follows:
- Legal custody: Legal custody provides for the right to make important decisions on behalf of the child. This includes decisions regarding education, religious upbringing, medical care and more. One parent may maintain sole legal custody while still sharing physical custody with the other parent.
- Physical custody: Physical custody refers to any time that a child is physically present with a parent. This includes weekend visitation, summer break, family vacation and more. A parent who shares physical custody may not have legal custody rights, and vice versa.
Ultimately, the type of custody arrangement that is best for your family should not depend on how you feel or what you want to do. You will probably find it best to base important custody-related decisions on what is ultimately best for the children.
Protecting your parental rights
It is hard to balance your desire to protect your rights as a parent with what is ultimately best for your children, but it is possible. With the help of a family law attorney, you can pursue a custody plan that is beneficial and sustainable long into the future, even if that means fighting for sole custody.
You will find it useful to learn more about your options and your rights before you make any decisions that will affect you and your kids for years to come.