How are child custody issues resolved?
Beginning October 1, 1997, the words “custody” and “visitation” no longer appear in the statutes governing dissolutions. “Parenting” and “parental contact” are the new terms used. Terminology was changed to eliminate disputes between parents over words used and focus attention on the best interests of the children. Parents now must file a “Parenting Plan.” The plan can be simple or complex. Forms may be used to identify virtually every potential parenting issue that could arise. If parents cannot decide how to resolve a specific issue, the court will make a determination based on the child’s “best interests.” This new methodology and terminology will eliminate non-contested issues, specify contested issues and focus attention on the contested issues. The new statutes also provide a four-step process for resolving parenting issues and disputes.
