In many modern divorces in Mississippi, parents choose to have joint child custody. It is often suggested that most children adjust to post-divorce lives better if they are allowed to maintain existing relationships with both parents. Although both parents will actively participate in making decisions about the welfare of the child, one parent will have primary custody, indicating from whose residence the child will go to school.
Custody: Drafting a 50/50 parenting plan presents many challenges
Father files for sole physical and legal custody of his children
Many Mississippi readers are aware by now of a judge who sentenced three children to juvenile detention for refusing to see their father. Their father recently filed a motion with the court for sole physical and legal custody of the children. Under the terms of the request, their mother would be relegated to supervised visitation only when a mental health professional believes it would not be detrimental to the children.
Child custody battle arises over HIV status
A woman and the father of her two children share joint custody. However, right now, the woman is unable to have her children because her live-in boyfriend is HIV positive. When the woman's ex-husband discovered this, he filed a motion with the court to curtail her visitation. It may not surprise some Mississippi readers that the two are now involved in a custody battle.
New family dynamics give Mississippi dad's more parenting time
The traditional roles of mothers and fathers throughout the country have evolved in recent years. No longer is it a foregone conclusion that the mother will be given the lion's share of the parenting time with the children. More often, Mississippi moms and dads are doing everything they can to remain more involved in their children's lives despite the fact that the parties are divorced or separated.
Set the parenting rules before the divorce is final
It can be difficult to think about the future when a marriage ends. Getting through the divorce proceedings can often take all of the parties' energy. Even though the major issues were most likely handled at that time, neglecting to create a workable parenting plan could make the first weeks and months after a Mississippi divorce more difficult.
Chris Brown wants joint custody of his daughter
Understandably, whether a man is from Mississippi or anywhere else in the world, he can be in shock when he discovers that he fathered a child unknowingly. It is what that man does after the shock wears off that matters. News reports indicate that for singer Chris Brown, the discovery means giving his daughter the best gift any child can receive -- a good father. Brown is currently fighting for joint custody.
How Mississippi judges determine custody
For couples going through a divorce who are also parents, what happens to the children may be the single most important decision made during the process. How a Mississippi judge determines custody in the absence of an agreement negotiated between the parties can be confusing. Below is a brief explanation of some of the factors that the courts consider.
Helping parents worried about child custody decisions
When two parents come to the conclusion that their marriage is no longer sustainable, there may be many conflicting emotions. One of the biggest concerns you may have is how child custody is determined and what the best way is that you can present yourself to a judge who may be making this determination. While the process may seem intimidating, an experienced family law attorney can help guide you.
How do you draft a parenting agreement for shared custody?
The decision for two parents to split has been made and the process is underway. The next consideration is possibly the most important: how do you continue to raise your children together?
How do Mississippi courts determine custody in a divorce?
One of the biggest questions many parents have after deciding to get a divorce relates to what will happen to the children. In the past, Mississippi gave preference to mothers when it came to custody. However, in 1983, the state Supreme Court decided a landmark case that puts forth a number of factors to be used by courts to determine custody [Albright v. Albright, 437 So. 2d 1003 (Miss. 1983)].
