Divorce and Child Custody Case Study - 275 Words

Divorce and Child Custody (Case Study Sample) Content: Divorce and Child CustodyName:Institution: Divorce and Child Custody Matters relating to child custody are usually decided with respect to the childs best interest. In legal terms, this is known as the best interest test (Gunsberg Hymowitz, 2013, p. 135). The courts usually take into consideration living arrangements, educational issues, religious issues, as well as the parent who is most fit to provide care and support to the child. In the event that the process gets too litigious and the courts want closer details regarding the family situation, then the presiding judge may appoint a guardian ad litem (custody investigator) to look into all issues pertaining to the childs welfare and report to the judge. In the event that an agreement is reached regarding who is to have exclusive physical custody, which has already been decided in this case, the court will normally grant joint legal custody to the parents. This means that both parents have equal say on issues suc h as education, healthcare, religion, and other important issues that may affect the childs life. The fact is that until the court has issued its custody opinion or the parents formally signed a custody agreement, every parent is entitled to the same legal rights with respect to issues touching on the childs life, as well as physical custody (Popenoe, 2009, p. 29). The law acknowledges that voluntary agreements between parents will most likely yield positive outcomes in the long term compared to court imposed decisions. The courts will not intercede unless it directly affects the childs interests. Because both Bill and Pam have agreed that Pam will have sole physical c...