Child Custody: What Can the Judge Order?

Child custody can be determined one of two ways.  The first way is through a separation agreement.  This means the parties agree on an arrangement in a signed, written document.  The second option is by a court order.  If the parties cannot come to an agreement, the judge will decide the terms of child custody.  The parties will put on evidence to show the judge who should have custody, when and why.

Once the judge has determined, based on the best interest of the child, where the child should live, the judge must then decide the details.  What details?  ALL OF THEM.  The judge doesn’t simply write that the child should live with parent A, instead, the judge includes visitation schedules, telephone contact, holidays, summer schedules, drop off times and locations, etc.

When thinking about child custody, you must think about the details.  The more details, the better the agreement/order.  While details concerning drop off times and locations or phone schedules can seem excessive, it will only make things easier between the parties later.  Agreeing on, or having the judge order, a phone schedule and limits to such phone contact can increase cooperation between parents and limit disputes over the matter.

If you have any questions about child custody, contact our attorneys are Powers Landreth PLLC (980) 237-4579.