When going through a divorce in Ruston, if a couple has children, they will have to agree on a plan for child custody.  If they cannot agree, a court will make a decision for them. There are four main types of child custody in Louisiana.

In Louisiana, joint custody is strongly favored.  In some situations, the child spends equal amounts of time with each parents and both parents have equal decision-making authority.  In most situations, however, there is usually a domiciliary parent who has the authority to make all major decisions concerning the child, but if the non-domiciliary parent disagrees, he or she may ask the court to intervene.  In neither situation is a parent deprived of decision-making powers.

In sole custody, one parent has custody of the child. Although the other parent may have visitation rights, the custodial parent has the final say on most important decisions regarding the child. If a parent thinks he or she should have sole custody, he or she must prove that it is in the best interest of the child.

It is uncommon in Louisiana for parents to be awarded split custody.  In this situation, the children are divided between the parents.   Louisiana courts are reluctant to separate siblings.

When the court decides that neither parent is fit to raise the child, non-parental custody may be awarded to a relative or close friend of the family.

Remember, a parent who is not granted custody does not lose visitation rights (parenting time), except under circumstances that make it unsafe for the child. Even then, special arrangements for supervised visitation may be available.

When the court has to make the final decision concerning custody, these are some of the main factors the judge will consider.

• The home environment
• Emotional ties to a particular parent
• Age and sex of the child
• Health of the parents
• Moral fitness of the parents
• An older child’s preference

Remember, a parent who is not granted custody does not lose visitation rights (parenting time), except under circumstances that make it unsafe for the child. Even then, special arrangements for supervised visitation may be available.

If The Law Office of W. Kyle Green have helped you in your divorce in Ruston, they will also be your best ally in custody proceedings.  Our attorneys will be well acquainted with your family dynamics and will be able to bring the most persuasive argument to the bargaining table and increase your chances of winning the custody plan you want.

Address: 308 N Vienna St., Ruston, LA

Office: 318-513-9001

Email: kyle.green@wkglawfirm.com