Child Custody Law Updates and Trends

While the financial resources of each parent may be a factor that courts consider in some cases, it is not a primary factor in determining child custody.

In most states, the default rule for child custody is joint custody, which means that both parents share decision-making authority and parenting time.

A parenting plan is a court order that specifies the parenting time and decision-making responsibilities of each parent.

A no-contact order is a court order that prohibits a parent from having any contact with their child.

A financial evaluation is not a type of child custody evaluation.

Third-party custody is a situation in which a child is placed in the care of a third party, such as a grandparent or foster parent.

Surrender of parental rights is the legal term for a situation in which a parent voluntarily gives up their parental rights.

The child's wishes are not a factor that courts consider when determining whether to terminate parental rights.

Emancipation is the legal term for a situation in which a child is legally separated from their parents and becomes an independent adult.

Transportation support is not a type of child support.

Parenting expenses are the expenses that a parent is required to pay for the other parent's expenses related to child custody.

Permanent modification is not a type of child custody modification.

Supervised visitation is a situation in which a parent is denied all visitation rights with their child.

The child's relationship with each parent is not a factor that courts consider when determining the amount of child support.

Attorney fees are the expenses that a parent is required to pay for the other parent's legal expenses related to child custody.