How to Go About Getting Joint Custudy of My Child
Joint custody of a child is seen in cases of divorce and separation. It occurs when the two spouses reach a mutual agreement to share custody of the children. Whether the discussion is mediated by a third party or not, the majority share of joint custody is often given to the parent who wants to, and is capable of, taking on the responsibilities of child care.
Instructions
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Consult a certified lawyer who specializes in family and divorce law. The attorney will be able to provide you with the proper forms needed to file as well as advise you on what court procedures are required for the state in which you reside.
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Draft a joint petition with your lawyer. This document will stipulate the terms and conditions of the joint custody arrangement, such as child support payments, visitation rights and hours, and custodial periods of time.
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Refine the initial draft of your joint petition by ensuring you provide supporting statements and evidence that are congruent with your ability and desire to share in joint custody of your children.
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File the petition with your local courthouse, ideally with the assistance of your attorney. While the procedures may vary between locales, the joint petitions are often filed with court clerks for processing and usually require a processing fee.
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Serve the notice of your joint petition filing to the other party involved in the joint custody case. This may be done in person or via regular and certified mail.
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