What exactly does joint legal custody mean?

In most courts, parents are awarded joint legal custody. In joint legal custody, both parents share decisions about the child’s upbringing. Both parents have to communicate with each other and come to a common decision on such issues as schooling, religion, medical care, and housing.

Can a grandparent get joint custody of a child in a divorce?

For a grandparent to get custody of a child in a divorce, both parents must first be legally found not to be fit to have sole custody. Importantly, too, if parental rights are terminated by Virginia, the legal connection to the child is severed for both the parent and grandparent.

Is it possible to get joint custody of a child?

Joint custody between parent and grandparents can be achieved and there are many ways you can reach a fair agreement for the child involved. If both parties focus on the best interest of the child, you should be able to easily reach an agreement with the help of a professional attorney that specializes in family law.

Can a parent get joint custody of a grandchild in Virginia?

Importantly, too, if parental rights are terminated by Virginia, the legal connection to the child is severed for both the parent and grandparent.

What does joint physical custody of a child mean?

Physical custody encompasses where the child lives and who cares for them. Joint physical custody (also called shared physical custody, shared residential custody, shared parenting time, etc.) means that your child spends substantial time living with both parents, and both have equal responsibility to physically care for the child.

Can a grandparents get joint custody of a grandchild?

Anyway, when you and your ex-wife sorted out your divorce, your parents and her parents did not stop being grandparents to your children. The Commonwealth of Virginia honors grandparents, emotionally of course but also legally, by recognizing grandparents as one of a class of persons with “a legitimate interest” in what is best for the child.

Is it common for parents to have joint legal custody?

Parents should not interpret a ruling of joint legal custody as an indication that the court is likely to also grant joint physical custody. It is quite common for parents to share legal custody even while the child resides primarily with one parent and has regular visitation with the other.

When does a court order joint physical custody?

Many states have laws that give preference for joint physical custody. Courts in these states will order joint physical custody as the default unless a parent can prove that it would be harmful to the child. Look at your state custody guidelines to find out what your court prefers.

What’s the best way for grandparents to share custody?

There are different ways for grandparents to share custody. For instance, a grandparent can be awarded either legal or physical custody, or both. Grandparents and parents can also agree to nearly any sort of shared custody arrangement, sharing both physical and/or legal custody.