Ann`s question: We currently have shared custody. His father lives in another state and has very little involvement in their training or anything else. Now that one of the children has been diagnosed as a major learning disability, he is trying to use shared custody to prevent me from treating me (he thinks it`s too expensive). Since he barely sees the children and really has no meaningful relationship with them and is now interfering in their medical treatment, do I have any reason to keep custody exclusive? Leslie`s question: What are the good reasons why a judge grants sole custody? My child`s father has never seen her and is not interested in her. Sometimes, if the custody of a parent would harm the children, the courts give custody to someone other than the parents, because it is in the best interests of the children. Generally, this is a “guardianship” in which someone who is not the parent asks for custody of the children because the parents cannot take care of them. Click here for more information on guardianship. Child care training can seem overwhelming, with a lot at stake for you and your little ones. But as you go through the process, try to have faith that, like many parents before you, you will get through this. In the meantime, understanding the steps and common terminology can help you find the best possible arrangement – which should be best for your child. Here are some of the most common questions and answers about custody and visitation laws. (Keep in mind that this is general information and that child care varies from state to state.

For specific questions about laws in your state, call your state court system that oversees divorces and custody issues.) In some cases, the judge may appoint a child care assessor to conduct a custody assessment and recommend an education plan. A parent may also request an assessment, but the application cannot be granted. Parents may have to pay for an assessment. Can I have full custody if I keep my baby quiet? Obviously, that is not always the case – so things have changed, and in recent years the courts have looked more closely at each parent`s situation. Unfortunately, many loving and responsible fathers still do not try to win custody. Many believe that the mother automatically gets a father to win just as easily, if he makes a strong argument as to why a life with him would benefit the child more than living with his mother. If the judge decides that a supervised visit would be the best thing for the child to do, you must follow the court order and make your child available for supervised visits. Angela`s question: I have sole custody of my two sons, ages 2 and 4, and their father oversaw the visit. He`s not going to leave me alone! If I don`t reply to his emails, he gets angry and starts harassing me about his “rights” as their father.

He asks for “updates” on the children to drag me into a conversation. I know this man very well, and he is a snake and he has never shown any interest in the boy. Brette replies: First of all, you have to recognize that your child has a father and you can never change who he is. Your child has the right to know who his father is and to develop a relationship with him. If he is gone and has lost contact, it is very unlikely that he will ever apply for custody, or if he did, a court would give him custody. Now, if you have sole custody, there is nothing else to do. If you are concerned about what might happen to you, if something happens to you, you should have a will written in which they appoint a guardian for your child. You should clarify why his father is not an appropriate guardian. Note that your choice in the will is not binding on the court; it is simply an element considered by the Tribunal in such an important decision.