Understanding Various Forms of Child Custody and Visitation: A Guide

Posted on: July 24, 2023

Family figures and court hammer. Family law and adoption concept.

Figuring out an equitable custody and visitation arrangement that serves all parties involved can be complex. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, our priority is always the child’s best interests. We’ll walk you through all the available options, inform you of your legal rights, and zealously advocate to ensure a fair custody agreement benefiting your child.

For a personalized discussion regarding your options, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a complimentary case evaluation. For general knowledge about the numerous custody and visitation choices provided by California law, continue reading.

Familiarizing Yourself with Different Types of Custody and Visitation

Even if you’re determined to secure full custody of your child, it’s prudent to understand the full range of possibilities. Parents often harbor misconceptions about what custody entails or are unaware of potential compromises that might better suit their family dynamics. The following section outlines various types of custody and visitation. Feel free to reach out to us for any family law-related inquiries.

Shared Legal Custody: A Common Scenario

Typically, both biological parents share legal custody, meaning they jointly make decisions in the child’s best interest. This involves choices regarding schooling, medical treatments, and more. Parents can maintain joint legal custody without having shared physical custody.

Physical Custody: Determining the Child’s Residence

While legal custody pertains to decision-making rights, physical custody denotes the child’s actual residence. Parents often opt for joint custody, which isn’t necessarily an equal split between homes. Instead, they can devise a joint custody arrangement that accommodates their specific schedules and their child’s requirements.

Contested Versus Uncontested Custody: A Crucial Distinction

In uncontested custody cases, both parents agree on a custody and visitation plan, an approach that minimizes emotional distress for all involved. However, if disagreements arise regarding what you deem to be a fair visitation schedule, you may need to take legal action to achieve your desired arrangement.

Supervised Visitation: Ensuring Child Safety

In certain situations, it might be in the child’s best interest for their visits with one parent to be supervised. The supervisor could be the other parent, another adult, a social worker, or any individual approved by the custodial parent and/or the court.

At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we take pride in our empathetic and compassionate approach, fully understanding the emotional turmoil associated with such circumstances. Our aim is to resolve your case as swiftly and painlessly as possible. Contact us today at (949) 585-9055 for your complimentary case evaluation.