Child Custody and Support
| Preference of Child in Custody Determinations |
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| In awarding or modifying custody, one of the factors considered by a court is the preference of a child, However, the extent to which the court will consider an expressed wish and how much weight the court will give that wish depends on the age and maturity of the child and the circumstances under which the choice was made. More... |
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| Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act |
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| Under the Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, the home state of a child has jurisdiction to establish custody and visitation of the child. That state court continues to have jurisdiction over custody issues, and all other state courts are required to give full faith and credit to the court orders of the home state.
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| Dispute Resolution for Child Custody Awards |
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| Many states require parents to undergo mediation or other forms of alternate dispute resolution before a court will consider the custody of a child, unless the court finds that mediation would be inappropriate, such as when there are allegations of abuse. More... |
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| Sole Physical Custody Award |
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| A "sole physical custody award" is one in which a court issues an order that the child or children will live with one parent, while the other parent is given rights of visitation. More... |
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| Who May Seek Child Support Payments on Behalf of a Child? |
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| An order for child support may be entered in connection with a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, maintenance, or child support. A court considers many factors including the financial resources of the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent. The order can require either parent or both parents to pay child support. Parents are equally responsible for the support of the children. Child support consists of a combination of periodic monetary support, the maintenance of health care insurance for the benefit of children, the payment of educational expenses of children, and the provision of various forms of security for support to protect against the payer's death, disability, or voluntary nonpayment. One parent can sue another parent in civil court for child support. More... |
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