Columbus, Georgia Child custody terms
When it comes to child custody in Columbus, Georgia , there are various terms that can get thrown around. Usually, it can be very easy to misinterpret what precisely those terms mean. First of all, the term like “custody” has a literal meaning. When you have custody of something, it means that you have physical possession of that thing. However, few parents would talk about their child as being a “possession” in the way that jewelry or a car might be a possession. Custody, as connected with child custody, is a legal term, which has very specific legal meanings and underpinnings and you must be aware of what a phrase like “full child custody” means.
In Columbus, Georgia there are two specific concepts that child custody refers to. The first area that child custody refers to is the concept of legal obligations and rights. Typically unless there is a forceful reason for a judge to rule otherwise, parents will share joint legal custody of their children in a divorce. Both parents have the right and responsibility to make decisions for the child in vital areas such as education, instruction in religion, and health care. When parents have shared or joint legal custody, both parents shall have the full authority to act on the child’s behalf in these areas. When only one parent has full legal custody, then only that parent has the right to make these decisions. However, it is only in rare circumstances, such as if one parent has been convicted of child abuse or endangerment, that there will be sole legal custody.
The second concept that child custody refers to is physical custody. Having full physical custody of a child indicates that the child resides with you a vast majority of the time. But it does not indicate that the non-custodial parent does not see the child, or that the child cannot stay with the non-custodial parent. It simply means that the child lives with you primarily. The non-custodial parent will still often retain joint legal custody even if you have full child custody in the physical area. In addition, the non-custodial parent may still also have specific visitation rights that you must, by law, comply with even though if you have full physical child custody.
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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.
706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com
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GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.
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