Placement and Custody

Legal Custody and Physical Placement

Decisions regarding placement and custody can be some of the most emotional and difficult decisions that a divorcing couple will face. Many people do not know what issues need to be determined and do not understand the legal consequences of their decisions.  Many of these decisions can have unexpected and long-lasting consequences.  A poorly written or incomplete agreement can have a devastating impact on your family, as this can lead to more conflict and more trips to the courthouse.  The attorneys at Koritzinsky & Karls, LLC can help you identify the issues you are facing, understand your options, and determine the option that will work best for your family.  We will work to get you and your children the best possible outcome.  If you are able to reach an agreement with the other parent, we will ensure that your agreement is clear and concise, and addresses all issues.  If you are not able to reach an agreement, we will ensure that you are ready to testify, and that you present your case persuasively and completely to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Legal Custody versus Physical Placement

Many people confuse legal custody and physical placement.  Legal custody is the right to make decisions for a child younger than 18, such as where they go to school or daycare, what medical care they receive, what religion they follow, and whether they can obtain a driver’s license, get married, or enter the military. Legal custody can be joint or sole.  Joint custody means that both parents’ rights are equal, and both parents make decisions together.  Sole custody means that one parent has the right to make decisions for the minor child. Sole custody is often granted in paternity cases, or where the parents are unable to agree in a certain area, such as education.  Physical placement encompasses not only the day to day placement of the minor child, but also placement during holidays, school breaks and birthdays.

For more information on legal custody and physical placement, or on divorce in general, please contact our office.