What choices does the judge have in granting custody and visitation rights?
The judge must give custody to one or both of the parents, or, in some cases, another adult based on the best interests of the child or children. Factors considered include the children’s health, safety, and welfare as well as any history of abuse by one parent. If custody is awarded to a non-parent, the judge would have to believe that giving custody to either parent would be detrimental or harmful to the children. • Joint Legal Custody. The parents share the right and responsibility to make important decisions about their children’s health, education and welfare. These decisions might include such things as where the children will go to school or whether they should have braces on their teeth. • Sole Legal Custody. One parent shall have the right to make decisions relating to the health, education and welfare of the children. • Joint Physical Custody. The children spend time living with each parent on a regular basis. It does not mean that the children must spend equal amounts of tim
