Understanding Child Custody in Kentucky
Child support and child support in Kentucky are often the most complicated and contested issues during a divorce. Parties vehemently and passionately fight for what they believe is the best arrangement for their child. Both the mother and the father come before the court equally without any presumption in favor of the mother or the father. Child custody in Kentucky is decided by the court based on what is in the best interest of the child — not what the parents allege is the best custody arrangement.
How is Child Custody in Kentucky Defined?
Understanding how child custody in Kentucky is defined can help parents as they deal with the emotions and frustration associated with custody disputes. Sometimes knowing what the terminology means can help with the uneasiness and anxiety about what is going to happen. Below are common terms used in a child custody case in Kentucky.
- Child Custody – Child custody refers to the responsibilities and rights of a parent in child rearing.
- Physical Custody – Determines which parent the child will reside with after the divorce.
- Legal Custody – Determines the parent who will have the right to make decisions for the child regarding healthcare, education, religion, and other matters.
- Custodial Parent – The parent who has physical custody of the child.
- Visitation – The time a non-custodial parent spends with the child.
- Parenting Plan – The custody and visitation plan proposed by the parties or ordered by the court.
- Sole Custody – One parent is awarded total physical and/or legal custody. The child lives with this parent and this parent has the legal right to make all decisions regarding the child without consulting with the other parent.
- Joint Custody – The parents both participate in making decisions for the child and the child splits his or her time between the parents. Typically, one parent is designated as the “primary residential parent” for purposes of determining where the child will attend school. A parenting plan determines how the parents will split the time between homes and make decisions for the child.
- Shared Custody – Parents share equally in the physical care of the child and work together to make decisions affecting the child. Shared custody is only an option for parents who are on good terms and can put aside their differences to work together in raising their child.
Child custody in Kentucky is a complex matter that requires the counsel of an experienced family law attorney. Your future and your child’s future are at stake; therefore, do not trust your case to a law firm with less experienced attorneys.
Contact an Experienced Kentucky Child Custody Attorney
We’ve Helped Thousands of KY Families, we can help you!
The family law attorneys of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC understand the sensitive and emotional nature of child custody issues. Our attorneys have over 50 years of experience representing clients throughout central Kentucky. You can trust that you will receive skilled legal representation by a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney.
Contact us at (270) 351-6032 or toll-free at 1-800-754-HELP to schedule a free consultation. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.