When my husband I decided to start a business, we didn't think about the legal aspects of doing so. We didn't realize that purchasing business insurance, getting building permits and making investments all required some type of legal advice. But after speaking to a close friend, who also happens to own a small business, we contacted a business attorney. Now, we have the legal smarts to make the best decisions for our business, as well as the legal representation in case something happens to our company. I hope that you find my blog helpful and informative for your own business. It's a great resource for finding the legal advice, resources and guidance you need to get your company up and running.
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Differences Between Child Custody and Guardianship
Ronnie Mills
When you share children in a marriage, determining how you intend to co-parent is one of the most important decisions you will make. Some people often confuse the concepts of custody and guardianship when it comes to the children. Although the two concepts are similar, each has different requirements and have certain rights. Here are some things you need to know about the differences between custody and guardianship:
Decision-Making Power
There are two types of custody. Physical custody lets the parent have physical control of the child. Legal custody of the child gives the parent the right to make important decisions on important topics like religion, education, and healthcare.
Guardians are those who provide benefits to the child on normal daily occurrences, such as making sure the child has a healthy meal or attends school. Guardians do not have any legal rights to the child nor are they allowed to make any decisions for the child without the permission of the custodial parent.
Time Periods for Guardianship and Custody
There is a difference in the amount of time the child spends with either guardians or the custodial parent. Guardians are either permanent or temporary, based on the circumstances outlined in the agreement. Permanent guardianship lasts for the life of the guardian or when the child becomes a legal adult. Temporary guardianship ends when the custodial parent or a judge decides.
Child custody can change at any time on an as-needed basis. There is no certain time for custody changes, but it can be modified if necessary.
Appointing Guardians and Custodians
The court or the parent of the child can choose guardians. If, for instance, a parent knows they will no longer have a home and the child does not have another parent, the parent can choose a guardian for the child to ensure the child has a home. Custody is appointed by the court. A parent does not decide custody without the court's involvement. Parents can make requests or work out an arrangement on their own, but it must be approved by a judge.
Another thing to keep in mind is that guardians do not have to be related to the child. Guardians only have to prove they have a healthy home environment for the child while he or she is there.
If you have any questions or concerns about custody, guardianship, or other parenting arrangements, be sure to discuss your options with a child custody lawyer. You want to be sure your children have the best home life possible.
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