Sole legal custody allows a parent to make major decision for a child without having to consult, or receive permission from, the other parent. Important decisions may include, but are certainly not limited to, a child’s religious upbringing, education, or authorization for medical procedures. Decisions may also include providing a minor child consent to participate in various activities, obtain a driver’s license, or even join the military before reaching the age of 18. There are many consequential decisions parents must make on behalf of a child as they grow. If a parent is unable or unwilling to make important decisions for their child, one parent may be awarded sole legal custody if it is in the child’s best interests
Child Placement AKA Physical Custody
Placement, or where a child lives day to day, is a separate issue from legal custody, although a parent with sole custody may be given primary placement of a child if it is in the child’s best interests. Primary placement results in a child spending all or most of their time with the parent given primary placement. Alternatively, placement may be shared partially or equally between both parents, even if only one parent has sole legal custody of their child. In cases where a parent poses a potential safety risk to a child, supervised visits may be ordered for a period of time subject to further evaluation.
Contact an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer for Help
Ideally a child will be able to continue a relationship with both parents, but it is not always in the child’s best interests. If you have questions or concerns regarding custody of a child or wish to seek primary placement, contact Wisconsin child custody lawyer Jane Probst at 414-210-3135 to discuss your concerns and seek the most favorable outcome for your family.