How to File for Joint Custody

Video Transcript

"Hello, have you ever wondered how to file for joint custody? Well, I'm Dr. Felicia and I've spent enough, much time in various custody situations so I can happily share that information with you. Joint custody is often another term used for shared custody. And what you want to do is be sure to, when you're doing joint custody, is to be sure to have your rules pre-set at the time of the divorce before you actually finalize the divorce, that way there's less room for misunderstanding. For instance you would have, want to have times for pick up and delivery and methods of pick up and delivery said out in writing. You would also want to have who's responsible for what aspect of the child's care. If joint custody, very often you are both have decision making powers so that you can put your input in as to a sports related activities, school related activities, religion and those activities. What's also very important is that holidays appointment is designated ahead of time. Very often what parents do is they split a holiday, one parent may have the child Christmas Eve, another parent may have the child Christmas Day. Same thing for all to the holidays. If parents live far away and it calls for transportation via airplane, very often they split alternate years. So, one parent may have the child on Christmas on an even year, another parent may have the child for Christmas on an odd year. Those are alternatives that can be made out, very amenable, works for the child. The children are very resilient so it's up to the parents to carry through and make as rational rules as possible, but stick to those rules. And by all means, leave your personal feelings out of it and remember that it's all meant for the best interest of the child. I wish you good luck in your planning and good luck, Dr. Felicia."