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Types of Custody in North Dakota
When you’re going through a divorce, child custody should be one of the first conversations you have with your ex. In North Dakota, there are two types of custody: joint custody and sole custody.
Making decisions about child custody can be difficult and can cause a lot of stress for both parents and children. Before opening the conversation about custody, you should know the difference between sole and joint custody.
What is Sole Custody?
In North Dakota, sole custody can be given to only one parent, retaining full custody rights of their child. You could have sole legal custody or sole physical custody of your child.
If you have sole physical custody of your child, then your child would likely primarily live with you. Your ex would also be entitled to frequent visits with your child.
If you have sole legal custody of your child, you would be able to make most or all major decisions on your child’s behalf. While your ex’s opinion and decisions would matter, you would still be able to make decisions alone without their input.
However, if the court questions your responsibility as a parent, then they will determine whether or not the decision for you to have sole custody is in the child’s best interest.
What is Joint Custody?
Joint custody means both you and your ex would work together and be responsible for making decisions for your children. Joint responsibility means you and your ex would have joint physical custody. This means you both would spend time with your child, but it doesn’t mean that you will always spend an equal amount of time with your kids. You could have more days or fewer days with your child than your ex.
If you have joint legal custody of your child, then you and your ex will spend an equal amount of time with them. You will also work together and make an equal contribution to decision-making and share responsibilities. You would also work together to decide on your child’s upbringing, make important medical decisions, and more.
Fargo Child Custody Attorneys
At Circling Eagle Law, we know how hard it can be to discuss child custody while going through a divorce. We work with families frequently to help them negotiate child custody and divorce.
Contact our team today at (701) 401-7404 so we can guide you through the child custody process!
