What Is a Custodial Parent? – Facts To Consider For A Healthy Relationship
Introduction – What is a custodial parent
Life is full of mishaps, and one of the terrible mishaps that can happen to an individual is a relationship that becomes very toxic. It becomes even more terrible when you have got a child involved. Here in this article, we will discuss what is a custodial parent? The custodial parent is the one who lives with the child and is there for all (sole physical custody) or even most (primary physical custody) needs of the child. Noncustodial parents might have the child on a limited basis, getting to spend moments based on visitation rights.
Also read: What Is Solo Parenting?
Custodial Responsibility
Custodial responsibility, also referred to as physical or residential custody, is the kind of responsibility where a parent holds the right and responsibility to have child in physical custody. Also the parent is responsible for providing supervision for your child. Also this is the role where the parent is responsible for keeping the child in home overnight.
The custodial parent ensures providing the child’s primary home and care that caters to their physical and emotional needs. Sole physical or primary custody of a particular parent means the law considers that the parent will be playing the role of a child’s custodial parent.
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Who’s the Custodial Parent in the Case of Joint Custody?
Parents awarded joint custody by the court means designating one parent as the child’s “primary” or “custodial” parent. The parent lives with the child more often. Both parents must still work together to raise the child.
It even specifies which parent can claim the child as a dependent for tax purposes.
Difference between Physical and Legal Custody
The parent with physical custody usually spends the most time with the child and is responsible for meeting the child’s daily needs.
Parent with legal custody holds the right of having a say in deciding significant issues responsible for impacting child’s well-being.
Both parents can get physical and legal custody, or even one of the parents alone can get it.
Joint physical custody gives the responsibility to both parents to see the child regularly.
Sole physical custody gives the responsibility to one parent (custodial parent) to stay with the child most of the time.
Joint legal custody allows the parents make the joint decisions regarding the parenting part. In this regard they will have to agree on how to handle significant issues.
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Rights and Responsibilities of Non-Custodial Parents
Non-custodial parents aren’t allowed to play the role of custodial parents. That being said, they do not at all get the primary physical custody of the child. However, they get visitation rights and responsibilities supervised or unsupervised towards the child. The right to information is also available to non-custodial parents. Custodial parent need to keep the non-custodial parent informed regarding the decision-making involving the child.
Non-custodial parents also have to play the role of providing financial support in the form of child support payments. Since both the parents are earning and at a position to pay for the child, they do need to pay for the child according to statutory guidelines.
Can a Non-Custodial Parent Have Legal Custody?
Yes, non-custodial parents will also get the opportunity of minding significant aspects concerning the child. It’s important to draw an understanding that non-custodial parents sharing legal custody can make the important decisions based on mutual understanding. This kind of agreement also makes it effortless to maintain an active role in guiding their child’s upbringing.
Read more: How Parents Screen Time Impact Child Growth
Who serves as the Custodial Parent in a 50/50 Custody Agreement?
The parent who takes the responsibility of taking care of the child for overnight visits is the one considered the custodial parent.
“Custodial parent” is a misleading term when it’s about joint custody.
Regarding the one who pays the child support, a parent who has primary custody or sole custody of a child usually pays the child support.
a child support agreement in a 50/50 custody agreement isn’t necessary in the case when both parents are providing for child. Still, some parents go forward with a child support agreement within their joint custody agreement.
Also read: How to handle parallel parenting with a narcissist husband?
Is there a need for a Child Custody Agreement in Divorce?
A child custody agreement isn’t mandatory when the case is a divorce, but it sometimes prove helpful. When the youngest child is 17, pursuing a child custody agreement doesn’t prove a great idea.
When the children are young or there are special needs, a child custody agreement serves the best interest of the child and the parents. A custody agreement allows parents to plan for their child’s well-being.
Is there a possibility of changing the Custody Agreement?
Changing child custody agreements and child support orders is possible when the parents agree to the proposed change. Changes in life circumstances are the usual cause behind the changes in agreements.
Final words – Best Approach for the Child
We have already discussed what is a custodial parent and would like to mention that sharing custody can be difficult, especially in the case of divorce. When going through a divorce, it’s mandatory to consider staying focused on the needs of children. A positive attitude can help children cope with difficult situations during the transition. The parents are also quite responsible for taking care of the child’s emotional and physical well-being while making the process the new normal for their child.
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